LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 



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LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 



LIFE STORIES FOR 


YOUNG PEOPLE 


Translated from 


the German by 


GEORGE F 


: UPTON 


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American Explorers 


Louise, Queen of Prussia 
The Youth of the Great 


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Pizarro 


Emperor William First 


Cortes 


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Austria 


the Lucky, and Other 


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Pre-Columbian Dis- 


Prince Eugene 


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Johann Sebastian Bach 


Maria Theresa 


Joseph Haydn 


The Maid of Orleans 
Frederick the Great 


Legendary 


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Frithjof Saga 


Herman and Thusnelda 


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Life Stories for Young People 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Translated from the German of 
Joachim Heinrich Campe 

BY 

GEORGE P. UPTON 

Translator of " Memories" "Immense*," etc. 



WITH THREE ILLUSTRATIONS 




CHICAGO 

A. C. McCLURG fef CO 

1911 



F3- 



Copyright 

A. C. McClurg & Co. 

1911 

Published September, 191 1 



tt- 



A<" g 









THE • PLIMPTON • PRESS 

[W'D'O] 
NORWOOD • MASS • U • S • A 



CLA295756 



Ctangiatot's preface 

IN the first part of this trilogy of American dis- 
covery we followed Columbus as he crossed the 
then unknown ocean, believing he was sailing 
to the East Indies, and observed his discovery of the 
American continent and his explorations in the 
West Indies and that vicinity; in the second, we 
followed Cortes as he left Cuba and observed his 
founding of the city of Vera Cruz and his conquest 
of Mexico; in the third, we have followed Pizarro 
on his expedition southward from Panama and 
observed his conquest of Peru, his founding of the 
city of Lima, his cruel murder of Atahualpa, the 
faithful Inca, and of Almagro, his fellow explorer, 
and finally his own murder by Almagro's followers. 
These are the three great American explorers of 
the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and, of the 
three, Columbus was incomparably the noblest. 
Incidentally also to these volumes we have been 
made acquainted with the important discoveries of 
Balboa, De Soto, Ponce de Leon, and others. The 
redeeming qualities of Pizarro w r ere his courage, 
indomitable will, and loyalty to his sovereign, by 
virtue of which the illiterate swineherd made his 

[v] 



TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE 

name known in history. But these qualities were 
dimmed by his cruelty, his greed, his treachery, his 
dishonesty, and his murders. His execution of 
Atahualpa, the Inca, and of Almagro, his old asso- 
ciate in many dangers, are two of the blackest 
crimes in history. Brilliant and daring as he was 
in carrying out his purposes, and important as his 
discoveries and conquests proved to be, it is impos- 
sible to admire his character or to pity his tragic 
fate at the hands of conspirators avenging Almagro's 
death. 

G. P. U. 

Chicago, July, 191 1 



[vi] 



Content* 



Chapter Page 

I OjEDA, NlCUESA, AND BaLBOA AT THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA 1 1 

II Balboa Discovers the Pacific Ocean 17 

III Pedrarias Appointed Governor of Darien — Balboa 

Beheaded — The Governor Founds the City of 
Panama 25 

IV The Partnership of Pizarro, Almagro, and Luque 

— Pizarro's Youth — Dangers on the Southern 
Voyage .... 31 

V Pizarro's Hardships at the Island of Gorgona — The 

Southward Voyage Resumed — Arrival at Tumbes 35 

VI Discovery of the Gold Country — The Llamas — 
Return to Panama — Pizarro at the Court of 
Charles the Fifth 41 

VII Pizarro in Tumbes — History of the Inca Country 

to the Time of his Arrival 51 

VIII Habits and Customs of the Peruvians 58 

IX Founding of the Colony of San Miguel — Difficult 
March to Caxamarca — The Inca Atahualpa taken 
Prisoner 68 

X The Inca is Promised his Freedom if he will Furnish 
a Certain Amount of Gold — The Gold is Ob- 
tained from Various Cities, Cuzco among them, 
and Divided, but the Inca is not Released — 
Almagro Arrives with his Army yj 



[ vii 



CONTENTS 



Chapter Page 

XI Atahualpa is Executed — Pizarro Marches to Cuzco 82 

XII Peru in the Greatest Disorder — Pizarro Places 
Manco upon his Father's- Throne and Founds the 
City of Lima — He is also Confirmed as Governor 
of the Conquered Country — Conflict with Al- 
magro who Attempts the Conquest of Chili . 91 

XIII The Traitor Felipillo is Quartered — Manco Be- 

sieges Cuzco and Lima at the Same Time — The 
Spaniards in Sore Straits — Almagro Returns 
from Chili, Defeats the Inca, and Captures Cuzco 100 

XIV Pizarro and Almagro Enemies — Negotiations Fail 

— Spaniards Fight Spaniards near Cuzco — Pizarro 

is Victorious — Almagro taken Prisoner . . . 109 

XV Almagro is Beheaded in the Market-Place of Cuzco 

gonzalo plzarro's expedition to the amazon 

River 115 

XVI Conspiracy of Almagro's Followers against Pizarro 

— Assassination of Pizarro — His Character. . . 125 

Appendix 136 



[ viii ] 



Siluatratton* 



Page 

Francisco Pizarro - Frontispiece ^ 

Execution of the Inca of Peru by Pizarro . . 84 u 

The Inca Receiving the Last Embraces of his 

Family 102 



[ix] 



jftanct£co 0t5arro 

Chapter I 

Ojeda, Nicuesa, and Balboa at the Isthmus of Panama 

THE mainland of America was discovered 
by Columbus even before Cortes undertook 
the conquest of Mexico. He sailed several 
miles along the shore, seeking a passage to the 
western ocean, contended with extraordinary 
obstacles at the mouth of the Orinoco River, and 
traversed the northern coast of South America, 
but, after encountering great dangers and disasters, 
was forced to return without accomplishing the 
desired result. After his death one explorer after 
another continued the work of discovery on the 
mainland, which he had begun. Two of these, 
Ojeda and Nicuesa, 1 in the year 1509 reached the 
Isthmus of Darien, when the one founded the city 
of Nornbre de Dios ("Name of God") and the 
other, San Sebastian. 

^ x Alonso de Ojeda was born in Cuenca in 1468. He went to Espanola 
with Columbus in 1493, and was also associated with Vespucci in his 
exploration of the coasts of Venezuela and Guiana. He died at Santo 
Domingo in 15 14. 

Diego de Nicuesa was born at Baeza in 1465 and died in 15 11. He 
went to Espanola in i$02 and conquered the region of Central 
America from the Gulf of Darien to Cape Gracias a Dios. 

[11] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

The natives of this coast were warlike and, as 
they probably suspected the real intentions of these 
white strangers, they courageously resisted them. 
They were excellent archers and specially formidable 
as they used poisoned arrows. The slightest wound 
caused by them was fatal. Many of Ojeda's men 
were killed and at last he was obliged to send to 
Hispaniola for reinforcements. The natives of the 
region occupied by Ojeda had some customs and 
practices which did not prevail in the other newly 
discovered countries. For instance, it was observed 
that various men and women of the lower class 
lacked one of their fingers, and when asked how 
this happened, they replied that the custom of the 
country required every husband at the death of his 
wife and every wife at the death of her husband to 
mutilate themselves in this manner. Another cruel 
practice prevailed among them. Whenever a widow 
died they buried with her those of her children who 
were of tender age and unable to care for themselves, 
because no one would assume the responsibility of 
taking care of them. They considered it merciful 
for it saved these unfortunate children from slowly 
perishing by starvation. 

On board the vessel conveying relief to Ojeda 
there was a notable person, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, 1 
a man of great ability and still greater courage. 

1 Balboa was born at Xeres de los Caballeros in 1475, and in 1513 
discovered the Pacific Ocean. He was beheaded by order of Pedrarias, 
governor of Darien, upon the charge of instigating a revolt. 

[12] 



OJEDA, NICUESA, BALBOA 

He had been guilty of some crime at Hispaniola 
which exposed him to the penalty of death. 1 To 
escape this danger he concealed himself in a cask 
and was carried on board. The captain, who had 
stringent orders not to take criminals from the 
island, was not aware of the contents of the cask, 
but after they were several days out Balboa emerged 
from his hiding-place. The captain cursed him and 
threatened to leave him on the first desolate island 
they reached, but the entire ship's company inter- 
ceded in his behalf and finally induced the captain 
to protect him. So Balboa reached Darien. It 
was not long before he distinguished himself by 
his ability and courage. Acting upon his advice, 
they took possession of a region on the Gulf of 
Uraba and laid out a town which was named Santa 
Maria de la Antiqua del Darien. Balboa's influ- 
ence grew stronger day by day and at last he was 
made their governor and at once busied himself 
with plans to strengthen his authority by discovery 
and conquest. 

With this object in view he conducted expedi- 
tions into the adjacent country, formed alliances 
with some of the neighboring caciques, and forced 
others into submission. Among these there was 
one by the name of Comogre who hospitably 
received Balboa and his companions. His oldest 

1 Other authorities state that his large indebtedness had made 
him odious to the people, and that this was the reason for his 
flight. 

[13] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

son, who was a smart, cunning youth, observed 
the eagerness of the Spaniards to discover gold and 
brought a large quantity of the metal, which was 
useless to him, as a gift for them. As he noticed 
them weighing the gold for distribution, he angrily 
sprang forward, knocked the scales over, and, throw- 
ing the gold upon the ground, exclaimed: "You are 
wrong to squabble over such a trifling amount. If 
you are so crazy to get gold that you will forsake 
your fatherland and disturb the quiet, of a peace- 
loving people to find it, I will tell you of a country 
where there is more of the useless stuff than you 
will ever care for." These words of the young 
Indian proved a spark which kindled the covetous- 
ness of the gold-loving Spaniards into flame. When 
asked where this country was he replied it was a 
vast powerful empire in the south,. "but," added the 
youth, "it will be useless for you to go there with 
your small numbers for the ruler of that empire is 
a powerful sovereign who will surely drive you away 
if you dare to appear there with your little force." 

This was the first information concerning the great 
Peruvian Empire that, unfortunately for its people, 
came to the ears of the Spaniards. The explorers 
were certainly too weak to avail themselves of it, 
but their greed was now fully aroused. Balboa 
sent a vessel for the purpose of secuHng strong rein- 
forcements from Hispaniola and encouraging the 
authorities by a hint of what he had learned. But 
Providence ordained, that the storm threatening the 

in] 



OJEDA, NICUESA, BALBOA 

Peruvians should be withheld for some time. The 
vessel which Balboa despatched to Hispaniola was 
wrecked on the shores of Yucatan. The crew 
escaped to land but fell into the hands of the natives, 
who sacrificed them to their deities. Only two of 
them escaped. One of them was that Aguilas who 
subsequently was found by Cortes and taken away 
with him. 

Balboa waited in vain for the return of the vessel 
and his perplexity was increased by news from 
Spain that his enemies, by charging him with various 
offences, had succeeded in prejudicing the Court 
against him, and that he would soon be called to 
account, but reverses only strengthened his deter- 
mination. He knew that the only way to justify 
himself and to recover his lost favor at Court was 
to avail himself of the information furnished by 
Comogre's son. From his description, the country 
must be richer than any which hitherto had had 
the misfortune of being the victim of European 
greed. But his colony was still weak and his 
entire little fighting force in wretched condition. 
Should he venture with a handful of poorly armed, 
half-starved adventurers to invade a powerful 
empire which would resist him with a mighty 
army? He determined to do it, resolutely closed his 
eyes to all the dangers which threatened him, and 
inspired his covetous associates with like determina- 
tion by the hope of securing exhaustless treasure. 

His entire force numbered only one hundred and 

[iSl 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

sixty men and several packs of hounds which were 
used in battles with the poor naked savages at that 
time — a wretched outfit for the attainment of 
the results Balboa had the audacity to attempt. 
Comogre's son kept his word and acted as guide 
for the Spaniards. 



[16] 



Chapter II 

Balboa Discovers the Pacific Ocean 



ALTHOUGH golden Peru was the final des- 
tination of Balboa, he had another object 
in view which seemed to him hardly less 
important. The young Comogre assured him that 
toward mid-day, and at a distance of six suns, as he 
expressed it, meaning a six days' journey, he would 
reach a great ocean, which was one of the boundaries 
of that golden land he had promised to show the 
Spaniards. Balboa correctly reasoned that this was 
the ocean Columbus had vainly sought and by which, 
taking a westward direction, the East Indies could 
be reached. The prospect of making a discovery 
which that great man had failed to make appeared 
to him of itself sufficient compensation for any hard- 
ships or disappointments he might suffer. 

The march to the ocean was one of extraordinary 
difficulty because of the nature of the Isthmus of 
Darien which is intersected by a lofty ridge of 
mountains, known as the Cordilleras de los Andes 
("the Chains of the Andes"). These mountains are 
covered with such dense forests that men of less 
endurance than our adventurers could never have 
made their way through them. The valleys between 

[17] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

them are either deep, impenetrable morasses, or are 
entirely submerged, for in that wet region it rains 
almost incessantly two-thirds of the year. This 
w r et, swampy area is also infested with vermin of 
every description, which -made the journey almost 
intolerable. There are snakes, toads, vipers, and liz- 
ards almost without number. The trunks and limbs 
of trees are covered with swarms of ants and 
noxious reptiles. The air is darkened with gnats, 
flies, and other insects of a nauseous kind whose 
sting is as painful as that of the wasp or hornet. 
Furious torrents rush down the mountain sides, 
requiring great courage and endurance to wade or 
swim them. The damp, sticky atmosphere is full 
of poisonous vapors which enervate all who breathe 
them and not infrequently cause dangerous diseases. 

Balboa possessed the courage necessary for such 
an undertaking and was also encouraged upon his 
way, for they shortly reached the country of a 
cacique with whom a friendly alliance had been 
previously made. From there they advanced toward 
the mountainous territory of another Indian chief, 
who at first took to flight but came back when he 
learned the real intentions of the Spaniards, bring- 
ing all the gold he could collect with which to 
purchase their friendship. At last he reached the 
mountains, the most arduous part of his march. 
Hearing of the approach of the rapacious strangers, 
a powerful cacique collected a strong force to resist 
them. In the meantime the Spaniards continued 

[18] 



BALBOA'S DISCOVERY 

their advance without being disturbed in the least at 
the sight of such a powerful host. Thereupon some 
Indians approached and asked them why they had 
come and also advised them not to go any farther. 
But they paid no attention either to their question 
or their advice, and kept steadily on. The cacique 
himself shortly appeared at the head of his naked 
warriors and gave the signal for battle. They 
advanced upon the Spaniards, uttering horrible war- 
cries, but had hardly come within gunshot when 
Balboa gave the order to fire. The report of the 
musketry and the headlong fall of some of their men 
created a panic, and they incontinently fled, believing 
that their enemy was armed with the thunder and 
lightning. Some of the poor fugitives were over- 
taken and slain, and many of those who escaped the 
sword were killed by the hounds. The cacique him- 
self was among the dead, and his city, if a collection 
of wretched hovels huddled together can be called 
a city, surrendered without resistance. It was 
looted, and the gold which fell into the Spaniards' 
hands amply recompensed them for all they had 
endured on the march and strengthened their cour- 
age for the remainder of it. 

Balboa left at this place those who were prostrated 
by the unhealthiness of the region and resumed 
his advance with the remainder of his little army. 
Incredible difficulties and dangers confronted them, 
but their bodies seemed made of iron and their 
hearts of steel. Patiently and steadfastly they 

[19] ' 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

endured all hardships, — hunger and thirst, heat and 
cold, — and all the other troubles of a route which 
hardly seemed passable for wild beasts. Wherever 
danger appeared, Balboa was the first to meet it. 
He bore toil and deprivation as if he were a common 
soldier and his example inspired his men to follow 
him without a murmur, though the longed-for end 
of their hardships seemed farther away each day. 

Twenty-five days had now elapsed and yet the 
distance they had travelled was not more than a 
pedestrian ordinarily could achieve in a' few days. 
At last they reached the foot of a mountain, from 
which, according to the young Comogre, the unknown 
ocean was visible. At this spot Balboa ordered a 
halt and climbed alone to the summit so that the 
honor of the discovery should belong solely to him. 
When he reached it, he saw the ocean, fell upon his 
knees, and raised his hands to heaven in delight. 
His men understood these movements and rushed 
up the mountain to participate in his joy over the 
important discovery. 

The vast expanse of water lay before' them. 
All knelt and thanked God for this great boon to 
their fatherland and the undying fame it promised 
for them. Their Indian attendants looked on, in 
utter astonishment, unable to comprehend the rap- 
ture of the white men. Their surprise was even 
greater when they witnessed the strange ceremonies 
with which Balboa took possession in the name of 
his King. He erected a great stone mound, sur- 

[20] 



BALBOA'S DISCOVERY 

mounted it with the cross, and cut the name of 
Ferdinand in the bark of several trees. This took 
place in the year 1513, five years before Cortes 
sailed for the conquest of Mexico. As soon as the 
ceremonies on the mountain were concluded, all 
hastened to the shore. Balboa went into the water 
waist deep, with his sword drawn, and said to the 
Spaniards and Indians, standing on the beach: 
"I call you to witness that I take possession of this 
ocean, and all countries bordering upon it, for the 
crown of Spain, and at the same time to witness my 
oath that I will defend its sovereignty with my sword 
against all enemies." 

The spot upon which this farce (for it hardly 
deserves to be called by any other name) took 
place was an inlet in the great Bay of Panama which 
extends to the mainland of South America. Balboa 
named the inlet St. Michaelis. After he had induced 
some of the neighboring caciques by favor and forced 
others by the sword to furnish him subsistence and 
gold, he decided to explore the inlet in Indian boats 
to get accurate information about the islands and 
the entire coast. The Indians advised him not to 
do it, for the rainy season was about to begin. He 
paid no heed to their warning, however, but, selecting 
eighty of his own men and several of the natives, 
began navigating in wretchedly made canoes the 
waters discovered by him. They had not proceeded 
far before he regretted his rashness, for a fearful 
storm suddenly arose and the ocean waves ran so 

[21] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

high that the lives of all were in danger. The 
Indians were greatly terrified and yet did not remain 
inactive, for they sprang into the water and fastened 
the boats together in pairs and in this way prevented 
them from capsizing. At last, after almost incred- 
ible exertions, they succeeded in reaching a rocky 
island, where they landed and fastened the canoes 
as securely as they could. Their joy at finding this 
shelter, however, was short-lived, for at high tide 
the entire island was flooded and they had to pass 
a -part of the night standing in the water, dreading 
lest the tide should rise still higher and sweep them 
away. When daylight came they found the situa- 
tion still more alarming, for some of their canoes 
were destroyed, others were badly damaged, and the 
rest were filled with sand and water. Fortunately, 
however, for them, there were some trees on the 
island from which they stripped the bark. Mixing 
this with weeds, they filled up the holes and cracks 
in those of the canoes which were not utterly ruined. 
In these fragile and overladen craft they intrusted 
themselves again to the sea, the Indians swimming 
in advance of them, and fortunately at last reached 
the shore. Their troubles, however, were not yet 
over. Hunger forced them to enter the country 
of a cacique who, according to the Indians, had an 
abundance of provisions, and there they encountered 
a multitude of the natives, who attempted to drive 
them away. The famished Spaniards and their 
fierce hounds, however, attacked them so furiously 

[22] 



BALBOA'S DISCOVERY 

that the weak Indians could not offer successful 
resistance. A great number of them were killed, 
the cacique himself was wounded, and the rest took 
to flight. 

After this bloody struggle both sides were ready 
for peace. The cacique sent his son with provisions 
and splendid gifts of gold and pearls, at the sight 
of which the Spaniards forgot all their troubles. 
Not long after this the cacique came in person 
and, observing how eager the Spaniards were for 
gold and pearls, informed them that they would 
find both in great quantities upon an island not 
over five miles away, as well as in the countries 
to the south of it. He advised them in the mean- 
time to wait for the close of the rainy season 
before going there. Great as was their eagerness 
for gold, the recollection of all they had recently 
endured made them willing to delay the search 
for it. They unanimously requested their leader 
to return to the settlement and, as most of them 
were sick or worn out, Balboa was obliged to con- 
sent. As he had already acquired sufficient informa- 
tion about the country through which they came, he 
returned by another route not less rough and impas- 
sable, in which they encountered indescribable diffi- 
culties and had to fight almost continuously with 
savage tribes. At last they reached Santa Maria, 
well-nigh exhausted, in January, 15 14. Among 
those who accompanied Balboa on this memorable 
expedition no one was more conspicuous for courage 

[23] 



FRANCISCO PIZZARO 

and endurance than a certain Pizarro, who now 
appears for the first time upon the stage where he 
is soon to play a leading part. 

Balboa, now realizing it was a matter of the high- 
est importance, sent messengers to Spain to inform 
the King of the discovery of the Pacific and to deliver 
to him his share of the gorgeous spoils, hoping thereby 
to induce him to despatch strong reinforcements so 
that the conquest of the great and rich Peruvian 
Empire could be effected. His report was received 
with great delight. The possibility of a western 
route to the East Indies seemed to be settled at 
last. But, strangely enough, the same suspicion 
and jealousy which this King had displayed toward 
the original discoverer of the New World was dis- 
played toward Balboa. He decided that the expe- 
dition should be made, but he also decided to send 
another man to Santa Maria to take Balboa's place 
as governor. 



[24] 



Chapter III 



Pedrarias Appointed Governor of Darien — Balboa Be- 
headed — The Governor Founds the City of Panama 

PEDRARIAS DE AVILA l was commissioned to 
depose Balboa and assume the governorship 
of Darien. He was a man of high birth and 
fine appearance, but his qualities of heart did not 
correspond with his exterior, for he was ignoble and 
full of base trickery. He was an illustration of the 
truth that high birth and nobility of soul do not 
always go together. A fleet of fifteen large vessels 
and an army of twelve hundred men were assigned 
to accomplish the great conquest which Balboa had 
begun, and fifteen hundred Spanish noblemen 
embarked with him to participate in the important 
undertaking. Such lavish royal expenditure had not 
been previously known. 

As soon as this powerful fleet sailed into the Bay 
of Darien, Pedrarias sent an officer ashore to inform 
Balboa of his removal and the arrival of the new 
governor. They expected to find the hero of such 
glorious deeds living in splendor and also that he 

1 Pedrarias, or Pedro Arias de Avila, was born in Spain in 1442, and 
died in Nicaragua in 153 1. After superseding Balboa, and executing 
him upon the charge of disloyalty, he founded Panama (15 17) and was 
subsequently appointed governor of Nicaragua. 

[25] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

would resist the King's orders and maintain his 
position with the sword, but they were wrong in 
both these suppositions. The officer was amazed 
to find this man, of whose wealth they had formed 
such grand conceptions, clad in a coarse, woollen 
cloak, shabby breeches, and bark shoes, and engaged 
with several Indians in covering wretched huts with 
reeds. He could hardly believe his own eyes that 
this was the valiant, world-famous Balboa. He was 
soon convinced, however, as he observed the mag- 
nanimity with which he bore the injustice of his 
King. Great as was Balboa's surprise at this unex- 
pected ingratitude, and strongly as he might have 
been induced to defend his position with his brave 
soldiers, whose numbers had been increased to four 
hundred, it never occurred to him to requite injustice 
with disloyalty. He immediately declared that he 
and his whole colony would submit to the royal 
mandate. 

His haughty successor came ashore. Balboa met 
him respectfully and assured him of his obedience 
to any orders which he as governor might see fit to 
issue. Pedrarias at once showed that he considered 
this assurance no empty compliment by taking the 
treasure which Balboa had collected with so much 
exertion and at such danger to his life, upon the 
pretext that Balboa had usurped the governorship 
and that this was his penalty. Balboa was furious 
with indignation at seeing the reward for his great 
service bestowed upon one unworthy of it, but he 

[26] 



BALBOA BEHEADED 



had sufficient strength of soul to bear such injustice 
with patience. Pedrarias had arrived during the 
rainy season when the atmosphere of that region is 
filled with poisonous exhalations. His followers soon 
experienced the effects of the climate, which was 
dangerous even to the natives. They perished by 
hundreds and the survivors were in a pitiable con- 
dition because of the lack of provisions. Every 
one was dissatisfied at finding his hopes disappointed 
and a universal appeal was made to the governor 
for immediate return to the fatherland. He adopted 
a plan to quiet them which had unfortunate results 
both for the young colony and the whole unhappy 
region. He allowed his people to invade the coun- 
try at their own will, partly to seek for provisions, 
partly to extort gold, — a permission of which 
they availed themselves with intemperate eagerness. 
They swarmed over the whole country, even to dis- 
tant provinces, plundered the huts of the natives and 
treated them inhumanly. Even those with whom 
Balboa had made alliances were not spared and 
the result was that all Europeans were detested by 
the natives and considered no better by them than 
beasts of prey. 

Balboa watched with great distress the approach- 
ing downfall of his colony, the ruin of the natives, 
and the frustration of all the far-reaching plans 
over which he had brooded day and night. He 
could bear all else, but this seemed insupportable. 
He took the risk, therefore, of sending to the King a 

[27] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

detailed report of Pedrarias' foolish actions, and as 
his accusations bore the stamp of truth, Ferdinand 
could not help believing them. He now realized 
that he had acted inconsiderately in allowing one of 
his most active and able servants to be supplanted 
by a courtier who was utterly inexperienced in 
business of this kind. To correct his mistake as far 
as possible, he appointed Balboa deputy-governor 
of all the countries bordering on the South Sea, and 
at the same time instructed Pedrarias to assist him 
in his undertakings and to do nothing himself with- 
out first consulting with him. This was a fresh cause 
for jealousy and enmity on Pedrarias' part. He 
could not do otherwise than obey the royal mandate, 
but his indignation increased all the more because 
he had to conceal it. 

Balboa had hardly received his new commission 
before he forgot all that had occurred and devoted 
himself to preparations for the great expedition he 
had so long considered, w T hereby he hoped to secure 
the Spanish crown in possession of the golden empire 
of Peru. After incredible difficulties he succeeded 
in building four small vessels and recruiting three 
hundred soldiers, and with these he was ready to 
embark for the conquest of the greatest empire of the 
New World. But just as he was about to leave, a 
messenger came from Pedrarias, requesting him to 
delay his departure for a short time as he desired 
to have an interview T with him at a certain place 
which he named. Balboa, who had not the least 

[28] 



BALBOA BEHEADED 



suspicion of his intentions, acceded to his request. 
He went to the designated spot, but hardly arrived 
there before the insidious Pedrarias caused him to 
be seized and fettered. Balboa knew not what it 
meant, but soon discovered. Pedrarias, whose small 
jealous soul yearned for the blood of this man who 
had completely eclipsed him, charged him with 
treasonable designs against his King and governor, 
brought him to trial, and pronounced the death 
sentence. The whole colony and the judges them- 
selves, who had been his cats' paws, implored the 
brute to spare a life which was of such great impor- 
tance to the King, but it was in vain. Balboa was 
taken out and publicly beheaded. The King was 
notified of the cruel deed by people and reports 
selected and made by Pedrarias, so that the murderer 
not only went unpunished but even remained in his 
position as governor. The event had one good result, 
however, for it delayed the subjection of the Peru- 
vians several years. As Pedrarias himself was too 
cowardly to undertake it, and every brave man was 
deterred from it by Balboa's fate, the expedition, 
for which everything was in readiness, was aban- 
doned, and operations were confined to the plunder- 
ing and persecution of the Indians on the isthmus. 
The extremely unhealthy condition of the colony 
and his desire to do something which might make 
him famous induced Pedrarias to ask permission to 
establish the colony in another spot on the west 
side of the isthmus near the shore of the South 

[29] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Sea. This being granted, he laid the foundations 
of a city which ultimately became an important 
trade centre. He built the city of Panama, but 
not where the city now stands. The old city was 
attacked, plundered, and burned by the buccaneer 
Morgan. When it was decided to rebuild, a more 
convenient spot was selected at the mouth of a 
river which the Spaniards called the " Great River" 
(Rio Grande). There the Panama of to-day stands. 



[30] 



Chapter IV 



The Parmer ship of Pizarro, Almagro, and Luque — Pizarro? s 
Youth — Dangers on the Southern Voyage 

PEDRARIAS was busy for a year, partly with 
the construction of his city and partly with 
the subjection of the unfortunate natives who 
inhabited the long narrow area between the northern 
and southern oceans. Balboa's plan for the conquest 
of Peru was laid aside in the meantime. Early in 
the year 1524, six years after the beginning of the 
Mexican conquest, it was at last undertaken by 
Pizarro. Among those who had settled with 
Pedrarias at Panama were three remarkable men. 
One was Francisco Pizarro; the second, Diego de 
Almagro; the third, Hernando de Luque, who was 
a priest and had acquired considerable wealth at 
Santa Maria. 1 

Pizarro was the illegitimate son of a Spanish noble- 
man and a woman of the lower class in Truxillo, 
a city in Estremadura, Spain, and was born in 
the year 147 1. His ignoble father paid no atten- 
tion to the training of the boy. His shameless 

1 Diego de Almagro was born about 1475 and was executed by 
Pizarro's orders in 1538. He first went to Panama with Pedrarias 
and followed Pizarro to Peru in 153 1. Luque was not only a priest 
but an ambitious adventurer. 

[31] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

mother had no education herself and therefore could 
impart none to her son. Pizarro therefore grew 
up like a weed. He had no instruction, no induce- 
ment to be good. His daily occupation in his 
youth was that of swine-he'rd. It is not remarkable, 
therefore, that he was destitute of those feelings of 
compassion and affection which can only be inspired 
by careful cultivation in youth. In the meantime 
there was something in him which rebelled against 
his degrading task, and incited him to, strive for 
higher things, although he had not learned to read 
or write. Before any one was aware, he left his 
hogs in their pens and became a soldier. But even 
then his ambitious spirit felt itself circumscribed 
and he longed for a wider sphere of action. He had 
served but a few years before he was attracted by 
the great drama being enacted in the New World, 
and, like all the other restless spirits of the time, he 
was not satisfied until he took a part in it. Under 
Balboa's leadership he exhibited such distinction in 
every dangerous situation that he was deemed worthy 
of being invested with a command, notwithstanding 
his illiteracy. In that position he discovered that 
nothing but brains, courage, and activity in the 
performance of his duties could help him rise from 
his debasement, and determined to turn his appoint- 
ment, to his advantage at every opportunity. He 
succeeded. The swine-herd became a man, born, 
as it seemed, to rule over others and play one of 
the greatest roles of his time. 

[32] 



PIZARRO'S YOUTH 



Almagro's birth and training were not unlike those 
of Pizarro. He too was a foundling and in his early- 
years became a soldier. He too had an ambition 
to do great things, and, like Pizarro, sailed to 
America. He resembled Pizarro in strength of body 
and spirit, in courage, steadfastness, and unwearied 
activity, but surpassed him in magnanimity, honesty, 
and honor, virtues which Pizarro did not possess. 
The latter gained his ends too often not by foresight 
but by treachery, not by ability but by dissimula- 
tion and deceit. 

Hernando de Luque occupied the position of an 
under parson in Panama and school-master at the 
church in Darien. He seems to have been a man of 
unusual sagacity and knowledge of the world. By 
his great success as administrator of the public 
funds he had come to exercise a strong influence in 
the little community. 

Such were the trio associated together for the 
undoing of the poor Peruvians. It was agreed that 
each of the three should contribute to the expedi- 
tion to the extent of his ability, and, as Pizarro 
could furnish the least, he should undertake the 
most difficult and dangerous task, namely, the 
command of the little force. Almagro engaged 
to supply reinforcements from time to time and 
the necessary supplies of provisions and war mate- 
rial. Finally the priest, who was well versed in 
all the tricks of a mediator, was to remain in 
Panama to keep the governor in good temper and 

[33] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

to look after other duties, including the handling 
of the funds. 

After receiving the governor's permission Luque 
and his associates went to the church and celebrated 
mass, and, after other ceremonies, the three were 
ready for their business of robbery and murder in 
the name of the Prince of Peace. The expedition 
consisted of a single vessel, conveying one hundred 
and twelve men. With this small force Pizarro 
weighed anchor in the middle of May, ,1524, and 
sailed southward. The time of year was the most 
inauspicious which could have been selected, for it 
was the rainy season, in which navigators to the 
south had to encounter adverse winds and danger- 
ous storms along the coast. The explorers, how- 
ever, did not know that they would have to contend 
with wind and waves, hunger and thirst, and inces- 
sant dangers before they could make any progress on 
their voyage. 



[34] 



Chapter V 



Pizarro' s Hardships at the Island of Gorgona — The South- 
ward Voyage Resumed — Arrival at Tumbes 

AFTER struggling against contrary winds and 
rough weather for seventy days Pizarro was 
still not far from the Pearl Islands, which are 
in the Bay of Panama, a distance which now can 
be covered in a few hours. He landed at various 
places along the coast, but all that he saw and learned 
was so discouraging that it required all his resolution 
not to be deterred from his purpose. At one place 
were dense, impenetrable forests, at another almost 
impassable morasses, or entirely submerged districts, 
and everywhere savage, inhospitable natives, de- 
termined to drive these uninvited strangers away 
from their country, as well as scarcity of food, dan- 
gers and unforeseen difficulties, and nowhere gold or 
the luxuries which had been so liberally promised. 
The lack of provisions was so great that his men 
often plucked buds and sprouts from the trees to 
appease their hunger. This and the pestilential 
influence of the damp climate carried off a large 
part of the little army and the rest were so ex- 
hausted that Pizarro was forced to return to secure 
the reinforcements which Almagro had promised. 

[35] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

He sailed at once for Chiama, a place opposite the 
Pearl Islands, as he was unwilling that the governor 
should witness his wretched plight. Almagro had ob- 
tained seventy recruits and had already sailed to join 
his partner, but unluckily they missed each other. 
Supposing that Pizarro had reached the land of 
gold, he directed his course southward and met with 
the same difficulties that Pizarro had experienced. 
Wherever he attempted to make a landing he was 
fiercely resisted by the natives. In one desperate 
encounter he had the misfortune to be hit in the eye 
with an arrow. At last he found it necessary to go 
back. At the Pearl Islands he discovered where 
Pizarro had gone and hastened to join him at Chi- 
ama. Their joy at meeting compensated them for 
all their hardships. Instead of abandoning their 
undertaking they were more than ever determined 
to pursue it. Fortune this time was more favorable. 
Notwithstanding fresh hardships and dangers they 
succeeded in reaching the Bay of Matthaus on the 
coast of Quito (or Ecuador). They landed at Staca- 
nus, not far from the mouth of the Smaragden. 

What a difference between this region and that 
which they had previously visited! Quito, the most 
remote and beautiful district of the Peruvian Empire, 
is one of the most enchanting countries in the world. 
Though it lies directly on the equator, it has such 
a pleasant climate that one might readily believe 
the fable of the golden ages which tells of the eternal 
spring. This agreeable climate is caused partly by 

[36] 



HARDSHIPS AT GORGONA 

the neighboring lofty Cordilleras, covered with con- 
stant ice and snow, and partly by the great south- 
ern ocean which washes the shores of this country. 
Whether the wind comes from one or the other, it is 
refreshing and moderates the heat. The atmosphere 
is pure, healthy, and bracing. There are none of 
those insects which are such a plague in other South 
American countries. The soil is one of the most 
fertile in the world. Everything thrives and multi- 
plies. Constant spring or, rather, eternal summer and 
eternal autumn prevail alike in this paradise. 
Sprouting seed, ripening vegetation, buds, blossoms, 
and ripe fruits are found alike at every season of 
the year. 

The sight of this fair land and the appearance of 
the natives, who were clad in woollen and cotton 
garments, adorned with all sorts of gold and silver 
ornaments, convinced the Spaniards that they had 
reached the goal of their desires, but they were 
still too worn out with past hardships and illness 
to venture an advance into the country. After 
much consideration it was decided that Almagro 
should return to Panama for further reinforcements, 
while Pizarro and the rest of his men should with- 
draw to the little island of Gallo, not far from the 
mainland, and wait until his friend came back. 

Almagro sailed, but, when he reached Panama, dis- 
covered that great changes had taken place. Pedrarias 
had been deposed and one Pedro de los Rios had 
been appointed his successor. This man, who was 

[37] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

not in the least enterprising, thought that the plan 
of the three adventurers was so risky and its accom- 
plishment so uncertain that he would not allow 
Almagro to secure recruits. He even sent two 
vessels to fetch Pizarro arid all his men back again. 
The vessels arrived at the island, but Pizarro refused 
to obey the governor's orders, although the most of 
his men were ready to abandon an undertaking which 
had cost the lives of so many of their comrades and 
themselves so much misery. Pizarro, thereupon 
drew a line in the sand with his sword and ordered 
all those who intended to abandon him to cross it 
that he might know how many were loyal to him. 
" Friends and companions," he exclaimed, "upon 
this side are hardships, hunger, loss, rain and storm, 
abandonment and death; upon that side pleasure 
and comfort. Here lies Peru and its treasures, there 
lies Panama and its poverty. Each one of you 
must choose what is befitting for a valiant Castilian. 
As for me, I am going south." To his great vexation 
he found the larger part of them going to the other 
side. Only thirteen Spaniards and a mulatto, a 
bold fellow, remained on his side of the line. With 
these fourteen bold and loyal companions he decided 
to remain, in hopes that good fortune and the en- 
thusiasm of his associates would not leave him in 
the lurch. 

The governor's representative in no way admired 
the heroism of the determined and courageous Pizarro, 
but regarded his decision as rank disobedience to 

[38] 



HARDSHIPS AT GORGON A 

the order of his superior, and his people as insanely 
bent upon rushing to their destruction. He refused 
to leave a vessel to enable them to continue their 
undertaking, and it was only after much entreaty 
that he was prevailed upon to leave them a part of 
his supplies. Notwithstanding this, Pizarro's men 
abode by their purpose. This little handful, with- 
out provisions, clothing, weapons, or knowledge of 
the country whither they were going, without a 
vessel to transport them, remained upon that rocky 
island in the ocean, determined to make a crusade 
against a powerful empire. As the island seemed 
too near the mainland for security and as they were 
suffering from lack of fresh water, Pizarro decided 
to go to another island w r hich he had previously 
discovered, called Gorgona, because of its forbid- 
ding aspect. He undertook the journey in a boat so 
frail that they were apprehensive every instant of its 
destruction. At last he fortunately reached the island 
and their existence during the first eight days would 
have driven less resolute men to desperation. 

The island of Gorgona, which lies below the fourth 
degree of north latitude, was one of the most in- 
hospitable and dismal places of sojourn they had 
yet seen. Its dense, gloomy forests and precipi- 
tous mountains added to its cruel appearance. Its 
climate was extremely unhealthy. The sun was 
continually hidden by heavy mists. The air was 
close and poisonous, and air and earth w T ere infested 
with noxious insects and reptiles. When we consider 

[39] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

these hardships, the pressing need of the necessities 
of life, and the well grounded fear that they might 
never escape, we cannot help admiring the courage 
of Pizarro and his men in preferring to endure this 
hopeless situation rather than abandon their project. 

Seven long months passed, and no vessel came to 
their rescue. Their strength and endurance at last 
were so greatly exhausted that they made the desper- 
ate decision to trust their lives to rafts fastened 
together and to make an effort to reach the mainland. 
But just as they were ready to set out on their peril- 
ous voyage, to their unspeakable delight they beheld 
a vessel coming to anchor at the island. Their joy 
was still greater when they found that it had been 
sent by their friends at Panama, who had managed 
to secure the governor's permission. One would 
have imagined that these men, who had suffered so 
much from their audacity, would have eagerly seized 
the opportunity to go back to Panama. But no! 
They were more determined than ever to carry out 
their purpose. With joyous alacrity they boarded 
the vessel, which was sent to take them back, and 
directed its course not to Panama but southeasterly 
to the coast of Peru. 

The destiny of the poor Peruvians was now as 
good as settled. After a voyage of twenty-eight 
days Pizarro reached that part of the Peruvian 
coast where the city of Tumbes lies. He came to 
anchor in the roadstead, waiting for favorable wind 
and weather to enter the harbor. 

[40] 



Chapter VI 



Discovery of the Gold Country — The Llamas — Return to 
Panama — Pizarro at the Court of Charles the Fifth 

PIZARRO'S vessel had hardly dropped anchor 
in the roadstead at Tumbes when several 
Peruvians made their appearance, evidently 
greatly surprised at the wonderful construction of 
the floating house as well as at the sight of bearded 
white men. Suddenly they rowed back to shore, 
and shortly afterward ten or twelve boats came 
loaded with all kinds of refreshments as well as 
liquors in gold and silver vessels, a welcome sight 
to the Spaniards, who hungered even more for gold 
than they did for fresh food. The cacique of that 
region had sent this hospitable greeting to the 
future persecutors and tyrants of his fatherland, 
and invited them to come ashore, promising to 
supply them with everything they needed. 

The Spaniards were eager to accept the invitation 
and secure some of the treasure of the country, but 
Pizarro was cautious and at first permitted only 
two, a Spaniard and a negro, to land. When they 
reached the shore, the Peruvians hardly knew which 
to wonder at the more, the w T hite European or the 
black negro. Both were curiosities to them, for 

[41] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

they themselves were copper-colored. The negro, 
however, was the greater. They even ventured to 
wash him to see if the color of his skin would come 
off. All that the two visitors saw strengthened their 
belief in the great richness of the country. In the 
dwellings, where they were hospitably entertained, 
they beheld numerous gold and silver vessels in 
common use, and the natives themselves wore 
ornaments made of the precious metals. Their 
garments and various skilfully made articles con- 
vinced them they had found a nation more advanced 
than any other Americans they had encountered. 
The wool of their garments came from the llama, a 
wool-bearing animal somewhat resembling the sheep, 
and never before seen by the Spaniards. 

The Peruvians call this animal a sheep or camel 
sheep, also guanaco. Its resemblance to the sheep 
or camel is very slight, however. The only points 
in common are its w T ool and long neck. Its head is 
small and somewhat similar to the head of the 
horse. It is about four feet tall and from five to 
six feet long, but its neck constitutes half its' length. 
It is of a reddish color in the wild state, but the tame 
ones, on the contrary, are white, black, or speckled. 
It is one of the most useful of animals, not merely 
for its wool and its flesh, but because it can be used 
as a pack animal. It can carry a hundred-pound 
load and climb the highest mountains. Its gait 
is slow, but its step is very secure. It can travel 
four or five days continuously, after which it needs 

[ 42 ] 



DISCOVERS GOLD COUNTRY 

a day's rest. It is very easy to maintain as all it 
needs for food is the herbage it finds on the way. 
It hardly needs drink, the abundance of its saliva 
serving it instead. It is one of the most gentle and 
phlegmatic of animals. As long as it keeps its 
strength, it will endure hunger and toil with the 
greatest patience, but as soon as it is tired neither 
urging nor blows can make it move. It is even said 
that in such case it is so obstinate that it will kill 
itself by violently beating its head upon the ground. 
The Peruvians treat these useful animals as their 
friends. They always make it a festive occasion 
when young llamas are used for the first time. All 
the relatives, friends, and acquaintances of the family 
assemble. The llamas are decorated with garlands 
and wreaths and their dedication to labor is cele- 
brated by two days of dancing and amusements. 
From time to time some of the guests run to the 
stalls, accost the animals with the greatest tenderness, 
and lavish caresses upon them. It is not until the 
celebration is over that they are placed in service, 
but they wear their garlands and wreaths until the 
decorations are worn out or lost. The Spaniards 
vainly attempted to introduce llamas in Europe. 
They died as soon as they arrived, for it is very hot 
in Spain, and they can live only in the cold atmos- 
phere of the high Cordilleras. 

From information which Pizarro received at 
Tumbes he came to the conclusion that it would be 
foolish to attempt the subjection of such a power- 

[43] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

ful people as the Peruvians seemed to be with his 
little and exhausted force. He also found that it was 
necessary to delay his operations in order to explore 
the coast of this country and learn more about 
its internal conditions. So without further delay 
he sailed southward. Payta, a seaport situated in 
latitude 5 12' S., was the next place reached by 
him. The news of his coming had preceded him. 
It was reported that the Spaniards were bearded 
white men, who never did anything wrong, never 
robbed or murdered, but were always kind and 
gentle and ready to give generously of what they 
had. O, that Europeans had never shown them- 
selves in any other light than this to the well disposed 
natives of that part of the world! This favorable 
report was very advantageous to the Spaniards. 
Everywhere they landed they were welcomed by 
the natives and most hospitably treated. The natives 
took pains to gratify their every wish and were 
disappointed when they did not remain longer. 
One sailor was so overcome by the attention of these 
good people and the agreeableness of the country 
that he decided to stay there. Finding he was 
missing, Pizarro searched for him and discovered 
him in the midst of his Indian friends, who were 
delighted at his decision to stay with them. They 
had placed him upon a litter and were going to 
carry him through the country and exhibit him. 
As he could not be induced to abandon his purpose 
they left him there and never heard of him again. 

[44] 



DISCOVERS GOLD COUNTRY 

Finally, still sailing southward, Pizarro reached 
Santa, where he yielded to the entreaties of his men 
and began to make preparations to return to Panama, 
where he hoped to secure a sufficiently strong rein- 
forcement to warrant taking possession of the coun- 
tries discovered by him. 

The Children of the Sun, as they were called by 
the Peruvians, on account of their white faces, 
glistening armor, and the thunderbolts they carried, 
were everywhere received in a friendly manner. 
At Santa, Pizarro heard of a powerful chief who 
ruled the country at his palace upon a tableland 
in the interior, where his capitol was described 
as a glitter of gold and silver. It appears that, 
except at Tumbes, the Spaniards had not found 
much of the precious metal among the coast natives. 
Some historians assert that they were not eager for 
gold or else by Pizarro's order concealed their eager- 
ness. He was not willing they should appear so 
and actually declined gifts when they were offered 
to him. It is evident the natives made little out- 
ward display of it except in the adornment of their 
temples and other sacred buildings, which the Span- 
iards did not venture to disturb. 

Upon his return to Panama Pizarro touched at 
various places where he had landed before, and at 
Tumbes some of his men expressed the wish to 
remain, as the people were very friendly. He acceded 
to their request, reasoning that when he came back 
again these men would have become familiar with 

[45] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

the language and customs of the natives. He also 
took some of the Peruvians on board his vessels 
to instruct them in Castilian, and one of them, whom 
the Spaniards named Felipillo, played an important 
part in the subsequent conquest of Peru. After an 
absence of eighteen months Pizarro again dropped 
anchor in the harbor of Panama. Pie brought with 
him samples of the most valuable products of the 
regions he had visited, consisting of gold and silver 
vessels, woollen and cotton fabrics, and some llamas. 
He flattered himself that De los Rios, the governor, 
would be so greatly impressed with his report of 
the extraordinary wealth of the country and by 
the sight of its proofs that he would assist him in 
fitting out a new expedition, but he was disappointed. 
The governor, who was a very cautious man, 
thought it unreasonable to weaken his own not over 
strong colony by making uncertain explorations. He 
probably foresaw that the bold men who were to 
risk the undertaking would soon seek to free them- 
selves from his authority. He declared he was riot 
willing to build up other regions at the expense of 
his own, and that he would not sacrifice more lives 
for wretched gold and silver gewgaws and Indian 
sheep. He refused to lend any assistance, which 
caused the three partners not a little embarrassment, 
for their own resources were exhausted as well as 
their credit, but not their enthusiasm nor their 
determination. As they now realized that no other 
course was left thena but to apply to the Spanish 

[46] 



DISCOVERS GOLD COUNTRY 

Court, it was decided that Pizarro should go to Spain 
and obtain the authority of the King. After great 
exertions the three raised sufficient money to pay 
the expense of the voyage. 

In the Spring of 1528 Pizarro sailed from Panama, 
taking with him some of the natives, two or three 
llamas, several finely made fabrics, and many gold 
and silver ornaments and vessels as proofs of the 
richness of the country. He appeared at the Court 
of Charles the Fifth, the ruler of Spain at that time, 
with a dignity of manner which surprised those who 
were acquainted with his low origin. He related 
his own and his comrades' hardships, described the 
riches of the country, and submitted the proofs 
he had brought with him. Charles and his ministers 
listened in amazement to his story. Pizarro was 
overwhelmed with congratulations and was at once 
invested with absolute authority to attempt the 
conquest. Pizarro improved the occasion upon the 
spot by asking not only the position of viceroy but 
also the captain-generalship of the whole region, 
although he had promised to secure the latter 
position for his friend Almagro. The latter was 
appointed commander of the fortress at Tumbes 
with a fixed yearly salary. Father Luque was 
rewarded for his services by the bishopric of Tumbes 
and was appointed guardian of the Peruvian Indians, 
with a yearly salary of a thousand ducats. In 
consideration Pizarro agreed to fit out the expedi- 
tion at his own expense and promised to raise a force 

[47] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

of two hundred and fifty men. But small as it was 
Pizarro found great difficulty in equipping the 
expedition from his own means. Fortunately, how- 
ever, Cortes was in Spain seeking the favor of his 
sovereign. As he admired all adventurous spirits 
and had been a war comrade of Pizarro on his 
Mexican expedition, he advanced him sufficient 
from his own means to cover half the cost of equip- 
ment. Having raised half the required number of 
men, Pizarro secretly stole out of the harbor of 
"Seville to avoid the persons who had been stationed 
to see that he carried out the conditions of the agree- 
ment. He escaped their watchfulness and sailed 
back to Darien in 1530. In the little force which 
he took with him, numbering not much over a 
hundred, there were four young, strong, valiant men, 
whose names are given because they played an 
important part in the conquest. Three of them, 
Fernando, Juan, and Gonzalez, were Pizarro's step- 
brothers; the fourth, Francis of Alcantara, a rela- 
tive on his mother's side. 1 

As soon as Pizarro reached Mexican waters he 
directed his course to Nombre de Dios. There he 
landed and marched across the isthmus to Panama. 
Almagro's delight over his return and the success 
of his mission to Spain quickly changed to surprise 
and. indignation when he learned of Pizarro's base 



1 Francisco Martin Alcantara was a half-brother of Pizarro, on his 
mother's side. He was born in 1480 and left Spain with him in 1529. 



He was killed at the same time as Pizarro. 

[48] 



DISCOVERS GOLD COUNTRY 

treachery. The high-minded soldier declined any 
further association with a man guilty of such base 
conduct. "Is it thus," he exclaimed, "you deceive 
the friend who has shared all dangers, hardships, 
and expense with you, you who sacredly promised 
on your departure to look after my interests equally 
with your own? How could you offer me a reim- 
bursement so insignificant that it makes my service 
appear of no value as compared with yours, and 
thus belittle me in the eyes of the world?" 

Pizarro contended that he had zealously urged 
his friend's claims upon the King, but that the latter 
had refused to divide authority. So Almagro either 
had to take what was offered or decline it altogether. 
Pizarro next sought to appease him by declaring 
that the new country was big enough for the am- 
bition of both, and that his friend's power would be 
as great as his own, for all that he himself had would 
be held at Almagro's disposal as freely as if it were his. 
But his assurances did not satisfy Almagro and the 
two leaders separated with feelings of estrangement 
and enmity which were ill omens for the success of 
the undertaking. Almagro's friends were not less in- 
dignant than he at this humiliating treatment by an 
inexperienced man of an old and tried soldier. The 
quarrel indeed went so far that Almagro determined 
to act independently of Pizarro and secure vessels 
for an expedition of his own, but Luque endeavored 
to close the breach between them, which, if continued, 
would be the death-blow to the project and all that 

[49] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

it promised for them. Through his intermediation 
an appearance, at least, of reconciliation was secured, 
Pizarro having promised that he would make Alma- 
gro a governor and request the Emperor to confirm 
the appointment, and that the spoils should be 
divided in three equal portions between the original 
partners in the compact. This, however, was only 
a temporary closing of a wound which was deep- 
seated and only needed slight cause to break out 
again more malignantly than ever. 

Preparations for the voyage now actively began. 
They had little sympathy from the settlers at Panama 
for the calamities of the first expedition were only too 
well known to arouse interest in a second one, how- 
ever inviting the prospects of booty. 



[50] 



Chapter VII 



Pizarro in Tumbes — History of the Inca Country to the 
Time of His Arrival 

THE expedition fitted out by Pizarro and his 
friends consisted of three small vessels, one 
hundred and ninety soldiers, and twenty- 
seven horses for the cavalry. With this insignificant 
force, but with a courage which was worth thousands 
of men, Pizarro sailed in the year 1531. He intended 
to land at Tumbes, but, as wind and weather were 
contrary, he was forced to run into the Bay of St. 
Matthaus. From there he marched to Tumbes, a 
distance of more than fifty miles. In addition to the 
ordinary difficulties of their march the Spaniards 
brought trouble upon themselves by their inor- 
dinate greed. Instead of seeking to win the good- 
will of the natives, they alienated them by plunder 
and deeds of violence. One result of this was that 
the natives everywhere fled from them, and another 
was an immediate scarcity of provisions. Enfeebled 
by hunger and hardships of various kinds, they 
reached Coaque, a place near the ocean and on 
the equator. Like a flock of hungry wolves the 
Spaniards rushed into the Indian city, drove away 
the terrified natives, and seized their possessions. 
These consisted not only of provisions but of gold 

[so 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

and silver articles and precious stones, called Sma- 
ragden (emeralds), found in that region. 

To secure still further reinforcements Pizarro sent 
one vessel to Panama and another to Nicaragua, 
hoping to obtain recruits" by dazzling descriptions 
of his good fortune and exhibitions of some of the 
rich booty he had secured. In the meantime he 
continued his advance along the coast with a most 
reckless boldness. The natives fled before him 
wherever he appeared. The Spaniards continued 
their plundering and violence, and no one was bold 
enough to offer resistance until they reached the 
island of Puna in the Bay of Guayaquil which Pizarro 
selected as a convenient place to await the return of 
his vessels. Some boats were made, and in these he 
rowed here and there around the island. Greatly 
to his surprise he found an entirely different kind 
of natives from those he had recently encountered 
on the mainland. These islanders, w T ho seemed to 
be an independent nation, were courageous and 
warlike people who did their utmost rather than 
suffer their possessions to be carried off. They 
opposed the Spaniards, in spite of the latter's 
weapons and skill, with such vigor that it took 
Pizarro six months to bring them into complete 
subjection. Meanwhile his vessels returned from 
Panama and Nicaragua, bringing a small but very 
valuable reinforcement. Each one of them had 
about thirty recruits and horses for cavalry on 
board. They also brought two distinguished officers 

[52] 



PIZARRO IN TUMBES 

— Benalcazar, 1 who later became one of the South 
American conquerors most famous for his courage, 
activity, and cruelty, and Hernando De Soto, 2 who 
subsequently became world-famous as the discoverer 
of the Mississippi River, past whose grave upon its 
banks the majestic stream flows — fitting place for 
his eternal rest and a fitting memorial of his fame. 
Pizarro now decided to remain there no longer. 
He resolved to invade the interior of this extensive 
empire and conquer a country which embraced far 
more square miles than he could count heads in his 
little army. He left the island of Puna and first 
made his way once more to Tumbes, where he had 
the misfortune to find he was not as welcome as 
he had been formerly. The rapacities and violence 
of his men were known everywhere and, in place of 
the hospitality with which he had been received 
formerly by the people and their cacique, the Span- 
iards were regarded with fear and abhorrence. The 
natives had risen in arms and all efforts to conciliate 
them proved fruitless. 

1 Sebastian de Benalcazar was born in Spain in 1499 and died in 
1550. He first joined the expedition of Pedrarias to Darien and after- 
ward Pizarro. He conquered Quito and several provinces north of 
it. In 1538 he was made governor of Popayan, a district which is 
now southwestern Colombia. 

2 Hernando de Soto was born at Badajos in 1500 and died on the 
banks of the Mississippi River in 1542. He went to Darien with Pe- 
drarias in 15 14 and joined Pizarro in 1532. In 1537 he was made gov- 
ernor of Cuba and Florida. In 1539 he started on a long expedition 
through the southwestern parts of the United States, during which 
he discovered the Mississippi River in 1541. He died of malarial 
fever near the junction of the Red and Mississippi Rivers. 

[53] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Pizarro, indignant at their action, decided to 
attack the cacique. In the company of his two 
brothers and a troop of fifty horsemen he set out at 
night, crossed a river separating the enemy's army 
from his own, marched all night through an almost 
impassable region, and at daybreak reached the spot 
where the cacique's men were encamped. The poor 
Indians, surprised at the unexpected appearance of 
the Spaniards, w T ho were not supposed to be in their 
vicinity, and terrified at the sight of the "monsters" 
(the horses), were in no condition to withstand the 
attack: they took to flight, some were sabred, and 
the others scattered in all directions. The cacique, 
convinced by this disaster of his own weakness and 
the enemy's strength, sent gifts to Pizarro and begged 
for peace. When Pizarro entered Tumbes he found 
the city not only forsaken but nearly destroyed. 
Four or five of the principal houses, the great temple, 
and the fort, somewhat defaced and stripped of 
their adornments, alone marked the site of the city 
and its former splendor. The sight of this devasta- 
tion startled Pizarro, for the new recruits had heard 
much of Tumbes' golden treasures. They had been 
assured that after their hardships they should be 
rewarded with booty; now they found they had been 
deceived. Peru's gold was only a chimera. The 
cacique explained to the Spaniards, however, the 
real cause of his city's destruction. The natives 
of Tumbes had carried on a long war with the 
islanders of Puna, and the latter had captured the 

[S4l 



PIZARRO IN TUMBES 

city and driven its people to the neighboring woods 
and mountains. The Inca, or prince, to whom 
Tumbes was subject, was too far away and too busy 
with his own troubles to come to the help of the 
city. Pizarro, realizing that it was not prudent to 
remain longer in a situation where he could not 
depend upon the faithfulness of his own people, 
without promising them hope of reward, decided to 
leave a part of his force in Tumbes, particularly 
those who on account of their physical condition 
were not fitted for field work, and with the others to 
penetrate to the interior of the country for discovery 
and conquest. 

Concerning this mighty empire, at the gates of 
which Pizarro was now standing, there are many 
legends and stories told by historical writers, which 
deserve mention. The Peruvian Empire at that 
time had flourished for four hundred years. Its 
founders were Manco Capac and his wife, Mama 
Occlo Huaco. It is claimed that both these persons, 
who, as well as their royal successors, are called 
Incas, were of European descent. The Spanish 
conquerors of this empire were further assured that 
the Inca families were of whiter skin and different 
physique from the other natives, showing that they 
were of European origin. Be this as it may, it is 
certain that Manco Capac and his wife laid the 
foundations of the Peruvian Empire. Both these 
Incas, they say, greatly differed from the wild, 
naked natives in stature, color, and dress. They 

[55] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

suddenly made their appearance, no one knew from 
whence, and announced themselves as Children of 
the Sun, who had been sent to make the people 
good and happy. The spot where they settled was 
Cuzco. It is further related that Manco taught 
the people of that mountainous region to cultivate 
the land, to clothe themselves, and to live in huts. 
His wife taught the women how to spin and per- 
form various kinds of household work. Both found 
docile scholars and gradually transformed these wild 
people into a nation which well deserved' to be called 
civilized. 

The first effort of these law-givers was to substi- 
tute a milder and more merciful religion for the 
inhuman religion of the natives, the principal feature 
of which was human sacrifice. They taught them 
that there was only one high deity, who tenderly 
loved men, his creatures, and was well pleased when 
they loved one another. This benign, loving, and 
high divinity was the sun. The Incas derived their 
origin from it, erected temples to it, and many 
of them served as priests. The unmarried women 
of the race were consecrated to service like the 
Roman vestals and Christian nuns. This did not 
prevent them from marrying, but their husbands 
had to be of the Inca race. The moon was also a 
species of divinity but of lower rank and not im- 
mortal. Nothing is more curious than their belief 
about its eclipse. Whenever this occurred, they 
thought it was sick and were much concerned lest 

[56] 



PIZARRO IN TUMBES 

it should die, fall from the sky, and destroy the 
earth. Their fear of this imaginary disaster was 
extreme and the method they devised for averting 
it very funny. They would make a horrible noise 
with screams, pipes, and drums to arouse the poor 
sick planet from its lethargy. They would also 
let loose their dogs to bay and howl at it, fancying 
that the moon, which was very fond of these animals, 
would be greatly encouraged by their noise. They 
would also incite their children to shriek and wail, 
and during the universal uproar young and old would 
incessantly exclaim, while weeping violently: "Mama 
Kuilla" ("Dear mother moon"). When the eclipse 
was over, they believed she was better. When she 
shone out again in all her brilliancy, they shouted 
with joy and all thanked dear Mama Kuilla that she 
did not die and fall down on them. 



[57] 



Chapter VIII 

Habits and Customs of the Peruvians 



THE basis of Peruvian law and civil govern- 
ment at that time was the sentiment, "Love 
one another as brothers. " This was the 
first and most conspicuous principle which the 
Incas promulgated in their legal system, and not 
satisfied with this, they made such regulations as 
to land that their subjects felt they were members 
of one and the same great family. 

The lands were divided into four parts. "One," 
said the Incas, "belongs to the Sun and must be 
cultivated in common. The returns from the Sun 
field shall go to the support of the priests and sacred 
maidens and of the religious service generally. 
The returns from the second part shall be devoted 
to the aged, the widows and orphans, the sick and 
the afflicted, and the defenders of the country 
against enemies. The third part belongs to us, 
your rulers, and you must assist in its cultivation, 
for we are your benefactors and see that no one 
brings disaster to the country and that no one of 
you suffers. Finally, the fourth part shall be so 
divided among you all that each family shall have 
what is requisite for- its maintenance." 

[58] 



HABITS AND CUSTOMS 

In the labor season the good people, also the 
princes of the Inca family, gathered together as 
joyously as if for a dance. This was really so, for 
the labor season always opened and closed with 
music and the dance. First they cultivated the field 
of the sun, then the acres set apart for the needy and 
the warriors, then the lands of the Incas, and lastly 
those apportioned to the people. Their joint labor 
and the innocent delight they shared together in- 
spired confidence and brotherly good feeling. They 
regarded the Incas as their fathers, themselves as 
brothers, and the whole nation as one great family. 
Whatever the Incas ordered was held as sacred 
because the people considered it the direct command 
of the sun, their divinity. If one of them had the 
misfortune to violate a law, he was the first to 
announce it, confess his offence, and pray that he be 
punished. In order to maintain and cherish the 
brotherly sentiment which the Incas impressed 
upon the Peruvians, no one could claim anything as 
his own. The lands themselves set apart for each 
family were not their permanent possessions but 
at the expiration of each year were subject to a 
new assignment, regard being paid each time to 
the increase or decrease of the family. Gold and 
silver had no value in their eyes, except as a durable 
material for their useful vessels. As a medium of 
trade, money was entirely unknown to them. One 
gave the other what he had left over or exchanged it 
for things he could use which the other did not need. 

[59] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

The wise law-givers of this nation expressly pro- 
hibited idleness, for they well knew that it was the 
source of all vices and that it inevitably led to 
degeneration of body and soul. They punished 
the vicious very severely, justly holding that they 
sinned not only against themselves but the whole 
community since they consumed the fruits of others' 
labor without contributing anything to the general 
welfare. Even the old and the weak, who were 
unable to work, had to make themselves useful to 
their neighbors by watching the crops and driving 
away the birds. It is also worthy of notice that 
the young Incas had to satisfy certain tests before 
they were deemed worthy of being called Children 
of the Sun, or, so to speak, of being ennobled. The 
Incas seem to have kept this principle steadily 
in view, that any one who is to rule over others and 
to be respected by others must excel in strength of 
body and soul, in capability and in virtue. They 
were far from believing that mere birth could make 
any one noble. He who desired to be called a noble 
and to be regarded as such by others could not 
derive nobility from his ancestors but must prove 
himself noble in the eyes of all men, by satisfying 
the following tests: 

When the young Incas reached their sixteenth 
year, they were conducted to a building set apart 
for the special purpose. There they were joined 
by certain of the old men of the Inca family who 
were qualified by experience to act as judges. The 

[60] 



HABITS AND CUSTOMS 

first test was one of fasting for six successive days, 
during which time they were given only a handful 
of maize and a little water. The relatives of the 
young men fasted with them to encourage them by 
their example, and implored their common father, 
the Sun, to give their children strength and resolu- 
tion to endure the test. Those who could not, or 
expressed a longing for food, were declared unworthy 
of the honor of being Children of the Sun, and were 
rejected. 

Those who succeeded in the first test were at 
once subjected to the second. A mile and a half from 
the city of Cuzco was a sacred mound. Thither 
the young and old repaired to see how many could 
run to the city without stopping. The elders and 
relatives stationed themselves along the road to 
encourage the runners by their applause. Those 
who were unfortunate enough to fail were also de- 
clared unworthy and rejected. 

The successful ones were now required to submit 
to a third test. They were divided into two parties, 
and one was obliged to attempt storming a fortress 
which the others defended. For this display of 
their warlike ability blunt weapons were given them, 
but the contest often grew so furious that some were 
killed and others dangerously wounded. When it 
was over, they were required, two by two, to exhibit 
their strength and agility in the ring in spear-throw- 
ing, archery, and the use of the sling. After they had 
exhibited their skill in these feats, they were placed 

[61] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

on guard for ten or twelve nights, and woe to him 
who closed his eyes for an instant! He was pitilessly 
scourged and declared unworthy of the nobility of 
his fathers. Indeed there was no escape for any one 
from the last, for it was' an important feature of 
the test. They were scourged upon their bare arms 
and legs without mercy and were not allowed to 
exhibit the least trace of feeling. The slightest 
quivering or shrinking from the blows reflected dis- 
grace and caused their rejection, for the judges 
declared that those who could not endure the strokes 
of the rod were unfit to bear the severer blows they 
must suffer in the defence of their fatherland. They 
even went still farther than this in their require- 
ments. Skilled fighters were employed to practise 
their dexterity in terrifying the youths. They 
rushed with sharp spears pointed directly at their 
eyes, as if intending to pierce them, and again pre- 
tended they were about to cut off an arm or a leg. 
Those who displayed the least alarm or glanced at 
the part of the body which their assailant threatened, 
or drew back in the slightest degree, were rejected. 
For, said the judges, one w T ho shrinks from the 
weapons of a friend who has no intention of harming 
him will be certain to shrink from the w r eapons of 
an enemy. 

After they had in these various ways proved 
their steadfastness, endurance, courage, and warlike 
activity, these youths had further to show that 
they had learned how to provide themselves with 

[62] 



HABITS AND CUSTOMS 

the essentials of the soldier, by making a bow and 
arrow, battle club, javelin, spear, sling, shield, 
and pair of shoes, the latter with leather soles and 
fastenings of woollen bands. During these tests, 
lasting an entire month, the young Incas were 
visited daily by their superiors and teachers, who 
encouraged them to hold out. They reminded 
them of the divinity of their origin, impressed 
upon them their duty of sacrificing themselves for 
the welfare of their fatherland, explained to them 
the magnanimity they must exhibit to every citizen 
of the State and the generosity which as Children 
of the Sun they must extend to the needy. They 
particularly impressed justice upon them as the 
highest duty of all and urged that they must so use 
their power and authority as to be in condition to 
protect the innocent and see that no one suffered 
from injustice. 

The heir to the throne, crown prince as we would 
call him, also had to satisfy these tests. Indeed 
he had to exhibit greater fitness than the others, 
for, said the judges, "as he is to rule over all it is 
essential that he shall excel all in virtue and in 
merit and that he shall be the strongest, most 
steadfast, most temperate, most generous, and most 
active in the whole empire. It is these qualities, 
not his birth, that entitle him to rule, and it is neces- 
sary that he shall become experienced in the hardships 
and fatigue of war that he may learn the value of 
these things in future operations." During these 

[63] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

tests the future King was clad in mean attire and 
was obliged to go barefooted that he might learn 
to regard the least and poorest of his people as his 
brothers, to treat them kindly, and to make himself 
worthy of the honorable title "Huchacujac," or 
" Friend of the Poor." 

After all these tests were satisfactorily made the 
mothers and sisters of the noble youths met to 
place upon them the first badge of honor, a pair of 
knit shoes. Then the King himself appeared, 
attended by the nobles, his nearest relatives. The 
youths prostrated themselves before him on the 
earth while he made them a brief address, in which 
he admonished them that it was not enough to 
wear the insignia of rank. They must also practise 
the virtues for which their noble ancestors had been 
famous. Thereupon the youths approached and 
knelt before the King, one after the other, to receive 
the highest symbol of royalty, the pierced ears. 
The King performed this with a large golden needle, 
piercing the ears and gradually enlarging the hole. 
The youths thereupon kissed the King's hand and 
turned to the second Inca in the line, who removed 
their shoes and replaced them with still finer ones 
which were the Incas' marks of distinction. Then 
he kissed each of them upon the right shoulder, 
saying: "The Child of the Sun who has shown these 
proofs by virtue is worthy of the kiss." The royal, 
fillet was then given to each, consisting of a woollen 
cloth wound about the head and adorned with 

[6 4 ] 



HABITS AND CUSTOMS 

flowers and foliage. Finally each was presented 
with a spear and battle-axe, with these words: 
" These weapons are given you that you may punish 
traitors, the cruel and the idle, and all evil-doers who 
disturb the quiet of society." At the close of these 
ceremonies the relatives embraced the youths and 
expressed their delight at the success they had 
achieved. The joyous occasion was celebrated with 
singing and dancing for several days. Thus was 
the Empire of Peru founded upon wise principles 
and provided with judicious, good, and brave princes 
for its rulers. 

Eleven good, brave, and frugal kings had succes- 
sively ruled the Empire since its foundation by 
Manco, not one of whom had sought to extend the 
limits of his sovereignty. They were content with 
what they had, defended it valiantly against all 
aggressors, and had no desire for territorial aggran- 
dizement. The laws of the wise Manco were sacred 
to them and their subjects alike. All strove to 
live up to them and all were contented and happy. 
But this happiness vanished when a King came to 
the throne who was ambitious for conquest, Huayna 
Capac, the twelfth of the line. He conquered the 
great province of Quito and thereby enlarged the 
Empire to twice its size, but in so doing paved 
the way for its future downfall. To secure this new 
territory still more firmly, he married the daughter 
of the vanquished sovereign and thereby violated the 
law held sacred by his predecessors that the Incas 

[65] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

should not marry persons outside their own families. 
Like king, like people. Having trodden the laws of 
his country under foot, his subjects did likewise. 

Huayna Capac left two sons, one of whom married 
into the family of the Incas, the other into the 
family of the conquered sovereign. One of these 
was named Huascar, the other Atahualpa. At his 
death Capac ordered the two brothers to divide the 
sovereignty between them. Huascar ruled the old 
Empire of his father, Atahualpa the .Province of 
Quito. The order displeased the whole people; 
observing which, Huascar determined to force his 
brother to give up his sovereignty over Quito, and 
thus the country was plunged into civil strife. 
Huascar had the laws and popular sentiment on 
his side, and Atahualpa the strong army left in Quito 
by his father upon his. The issue could not long 
remain in doubt. Right yielded to might. Atahu- 
alpa was victorious and Huascar was made prisoner. 
To secure his sovereignty Atahualpa killed all of 
the adherents of the regular government^ whom 
he could not subject to his authority. He spared 
his brother's life, not from kindness or human- 
ity, but to appease his subjects and carry out his 
designs. 

Thus matters stood in Peru when Pizarro under- 
took its conquest. The rulers and the people of 
this unfortunate country were so engrossed with 
their internal difficulties that they hardly gave 
any attention to the advance of the Spaniards into 

[66] 



HABITS AND CUSTOMS 

their empire. Both Huascar and Atahualpa hoped 
that the arrival of these formidable strangers would 
be of advantage to their own side, and both sought 
to secure their friendship. 



[6 7 ] 



Chapter IX 



Founding of the Colony of San Miguel — Difficult March 
to Caxamarca — The Inca Atahualpa taken Prisoner 

PIZARRO advanced southward from Tumbes 
until he reached the mouth of the river Piura 
where the Spaniards founded San Miguel, 
the first European settlement in Peru. Finding the 
place well adapted for a colony, Pizarro decided to 
leave a part of his little army there to organize it 
while he with his handful of men penetrated the 
interior. After settling upon this plan he received 
a messenger from the imprisoned Huascar who 
implored help against his brother and gave him the 
first reliable intelligence concerning the unrest 
which prevailed in the country. It also explained 
why he had met with no resistance up to this time. 
He determined . to take advantage of the situation 
at once and, in September, 1532, advanced upon 
Caxamarca, where Atahualpa was encamped with 
fifty thousand of the best of the Peruvian soldiers. 
He had not advanced far before he was met by a 
deputation whose mission was much more clearly 
explained by gifts than by words, and that brought 
an invitation from the Inca to meet him and close 
a friendly alliance. ■ The gifts consisted of fruits 
[68 1 



FOUNDING OF THE COLONY 

of various kinds, beautifully woven fabrics, gold 
and silver articles, and precious stones, besides a 
pair of half boots and golden bracelets for Pizarro, 
which he was to wear so that the Inca might recognize 
him at once. 

Pizarro accepted the invitation with alacrity 
and now advanced with confidence, meanwhile 
sending his brother Ferdinand and Captain De Soto 
in advance to welcome the Inca in his name. He 
himself was everywhere received by the natives with 
the utmost respect. They brought him and his 
men provisions in abundance and even treated the 
horses most generously, for, observing them champ- 
ing their bits, they imagined that these wonderful 
creatures lived upon metal, and supplied them with 
ample store of gold and silver to gain their favor. 
The Spaniards took advantage of their delusion to 
fill their sacks with this remarkable horse feed. They 
maintained a peaceable attitude toward the natives, 
also, in order to accomplish the difficult march 
without being attacked. As they encountered no 
enemies, Pizarro had no doubt that he would reach 
the camp without trouble, but at the same time he 
suspected that they might be tempting him into 
the heart of the country, hoping to destroy his army; 
but he did not hesitate on that account. 

On the fifth day after his departure from San 
Miguel he came to a halt in a lonely valley and 
inspected his force. He had one hundred and 
seventy-seven men, of whom sixty-seven were 

[6 9 ] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

mounted, but only three gunners and a few archers. 
His troops were tolerably well equipped and generally 
in good condition. Some of his men, however, did 
not seem to him to have the requisite courage for 
such a venturesome undertaking. He therefore 
ordered the faint-hearted ones to appear before him 
and frankly acknowledge their fear and promised that 
he would gladly send them back to San Miguel. 
Nine men, five foot-soldiers and four troopers, ac- 
knowledged their desire to go back, the others loudly 
declared they were willing to follow their leader. 
Thus Pizarro purged his army of all dissatisfaction 
and was able to resume his march with soldiers 
who were ready and eager for battle. 

Without further delay Pizarro devoted earnest 
consideration to the crossing of the Cordilleras, 
which required greater exertions than the Spaniards 
had yet made. The road led over a rough and steep 
mountainous region and in many places was very 
narrow. A false step might hurl them hundreds — 
even thousands — of feet down into dreadful abysses. 
Riders had to dismount and carefully lead their 
horses by the bridle. Huge, dangerous fissures, 
made by earthquakes, yawned beneath them, in 
whose gloomy depths wild mountain torrents rushed. 
Rocky passes had to be traversed and the Spaniards 
anxiously watched every step they made, for a few 
natives might easily have cut thousands to pieces 
in such places, but no enemy was seen. In the mean- 
time the climate gradually changed, and men and 

[70] 



FOUNDING OF THE COLONY 

horses suffered as much from the enervating heat as 
they had done from the cold. At last the level country 
was reached in which Caxamarca was situated. 

The two officers sent in advance reached the 
camp, which was about a mile from Caxamarca, 
and were met by a troop of armed Indians who 
advanced to pay them honor. In doubt as to their 
intentions, De Soto put spurs to his horse and rode 
at full speed to meet their leader. The sight of a 
galloping horse was so new and fearful to the 
Peruvians that they became panic-stricken and 
instantly fled, leaving their leader alone to receive 
the dreaded strangers, and conduct them to the 
Inca's quarters where they were cordially welcomed. 
Drink was offered them and they were seated upon 
chairs of gold. Through their interpreter, Felipillo, 
Ferdinand explained the purpose of their visit in 
the following words: "The mighty ruler of the 
morning land, our master, and the head of the Chris- 
tian Church, the Pope, have sent us to free the 
Inca and his subjects from the power of the devil." 
Their purpose, however, was so bunglingly stated 
by the interpreter, who himself did not under- 
stand one word in three of it, that it was wholly 
incomprehensible to the Inca. He replied with 
great stateliness that he would visit their leader 
himself in the morning and ascertain his pleasure. 
The two officers retired to Caxamarca where Pizarro 
had arrived and where he had made his headquarters 
in a house belonging to the Inca. 

[71] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Everything that the Peruvians saw or heard about 
the strangers so confused them that they were in 
doubt what to believe, but at last the Inca decided to 
call upon Pizarro. Preparations were made on each 
side for this event but of a very different character. 
Atahualpa arranged for a festal procession with not 
the slightest suspicion of deceit or malice on the 
part of the strangers. Pizarro, on the other hand, 
made preparations which were anything but friendly 
in appearance. He divided his sixty riders into 
three detachments under command of his brother, 
De Soto, and Benalcazar, and stationed them be- 
hind an old wall where they could not be seen but 
would be in readiness when wanted. He planted 
two cannon at the entrance to the courtyard and 
stationed archers near them on either side. Twenty 
of his picked men were reserved as his body-guard 
and the rest of the foot-soldiers stood under arms 
in the inner court. His purpose was a treacherous 
one — to make Atahualpa a prisoner, as Cortes had 
made Montezuma. 

At early dawn the next morning the whole Peru- 
vian camp was in commotion getting ready for 
the display with which Atahualpa proposed to 
impress Pizarro and the strangers with his stateli- 
ness. A good part of the day was occupied with 
the preparations, and toward its close the cortege 
moved forward, but so slowly that it took them 
four hours to cover the mile they had to go. The 
Spaniards grew impatient, and as Pizarro thought 

[72] 



FOUNDING OF THE COLONY 

the delay might arise from their suspicions, he sent 
one of his officers to meet the Inca and assure him 
of his friendly reception. Atahualpa had not the 
least doubt of this and continued his gradual 
approach to Caxamarca with his imposing retinue. 
He was borne on a litter, bedecked with gold, silver, 
precious stones, and feathers, and carried by his 
leading court attendants. Those next him in rank 
were carried in a similar manner. Bands of singers 
and dancers accompanied them on either side, and 
an army of thirty thousand men composed the rest 
of the brilliant procession. At last the Spanish 
quarters were reached. A multitude of defenceless 
doves fluttered about the nest of a savage hawk wait- 
ing to pounce upon them with its cruel claws. The 
Inca noticed the warlike attitude of the Spaniards 
and said to his friends, several of whom were grow- 
ing uneasy: "These strangers are divine messengers; 
be careful not to offend them and make every effort 
to appease them by your courtesy." While he was 
saying this Vicente de Valverde, a Spanish priest, 
advanced with a cross in one hand and a breviary 
in the other, approached the Inca's litter, and made 
him a long address, in which he expounded to him 
the doctrines of the creation, of Adam's fall, of the 
incarnation, sufferings, death, and resurrection of 
Christ. This was followed by a pompous descrip- 
tion of the sanctity and power of the Pope, the 
divine representative on earth, closing with the 
unexpected announcement that this Pope (Alexander 

[73] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Sixth) had given the entire New World to the King 
of Spain. Thereupon he admonished the Inca to 
accept the Christian faith immediately, and to recog- 
nize the infallibility of the Pope and the sovereignty 
of the King of Spain, his rightful master. He added 
that upon these conditions he would remain in 
possession of his rank and would be protected 
against all enemies, but if he declined to accept the 
conditions, war would be proclaimed against him 
in the name of the King. 

Atahualpa listened quietly to this long address, 
as interpreted to him. The little that he under- 
stood of it aroused his astonishment, but he retained 
his composure and answered courteously that he 
was ready to be the friend and ally of the King of 
Spain but not his vassal. As far as the Pope was 
concerned, he must be a wonderful man if he could 
give away things that did not belong to him. He 
would not exchange his religion for any other, as it 
seemed unreasonable to him to give up the imperish- 
able sun for a God of the Christians, who' by their 
own acknowledgment had died upon a cross. As 
to the other matters mentioned by the priest he 
did not understand them, but he was desirous of 
knowing how they became known to him. 

"Through this book," replied the priest, handing 
him the breviary. 

The Inca looked at the book on all sides, held 
it to his ear, smiled, and said, as he contemptuously 
threw it down, "It does not say a word." 

[74] 



FOUNDING OF THE COLONY 

This inflamed the priest's wrath. He furiously 
turned to the Spaniards and in a loud voice ex- 
claimed: " Revenge, Christians! Revenge! You see 
how he has insulted the word of God. Up, kill 
these dogs who trample God's law under their feet." 

At this Pizarro, who had hardly been able to 
restrain his men at sight of so much rich booty, 
gave the signal for attack. Drums and trumpets 
suddenly sounded, and cannon and musketry hurled 
death into the ranks of the astonished Peruvians. 
At the same time the cavalry dashed forward from 
their concealment and Pizarro, at the head of the 
foot-soldiers, charged upon those who were guarding 
the person of the Inca. The nobles rallied about 
him courageously, ready to sacrifice their lives for 
him, but the rest fled. A great multitude perished 
by the sabres of the cavalry or were trampled to 
death under the feet of the horses. Pizarro sprang 
forward to the litter, seized the betrayed Inca by 
the arm, and hurried him to hfs quarters. The 
few nobles who had ventured to protect him were 
killed. The others who had fled were pursued and 
all who could be overtaken were sabred without 
mercy. The massacre lasted until night. Over 
four thousand Peruvians, among them many chil- 
dren, women, and defenceless old men, were victims, 
but not one of the murderers received the slightest 
wound, except Pizarro, whose hand was a little 
bruised by one of his own soldiers in seizing the 
Inca. To add to the crimes of this dreadful day, 

[75] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

the Spaniards, after they had collected their plunder 
on the battlefield, spent the whole night in riot- 
ous excesses. On the following morning they took 
possession of the Peruvian camp, where they found 
astonishing treasures of gold and silver. But even 
then they were not satisfied. The more that fell 
into the hands of these robbers, the more they cov- 
eted, the stronger grew their passion, and the more 
inhuman their choice of means to satisfy their 
greed. 



[76] 



Chapter X 



The Inca is Promised his Freedom if he will Furnish a Cer- 
tain Amount of Gold — The Gold is Obtained from 
Various Cities, Cuzco among them, and Divided, but 
the Inca is not Released — Almagro Arrives with his 
Army 

THE poor Atahualpa was now a prisoner. 
His first feeling was one of astonishment at 
such treacherous treatment. Then followed 
deep sorrow over the sudden ruin of his power and 
his happiness. His feelings, however, did not pre- 
vent him from watching the actions of his faithless 
captor in hope of ascertaining his motives. He 
soon realized that the greed of gold was his ruling 
passion, and upon this he built his hopes of securing 
his freedom. 

The room in which he was confined was twenty- 
two feet long and sixteen feet wide. The Inca 
offered to fill it with gold as high as Pizarro could 
reach with his hands if he would accept it as his 
ransom. He also agreed to fill an adjoining smaller 
apartment with silver twice in like manner. The 
tempting offer was promptly accepted. Pizarro 
indicated the designated height by a line upon the 
wall, and the Inca despatched messengers to Cuzco, 
Quito, and other places, with an order for the people 

[77} 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

to furnish the ransom. The devotion of these 
people to their sovereign was so great that the request 
of the imprisoned Atahualpa was as sacred as if 
he were free. They began collecting an immense 
amount of gold from every direction and the hope 
of soon seeing their ruler free again restrained them 
from making any show of opposition to the strangers, 
who, after this shameless treachery, did not hesitate 
to rove about the country bent upon pillage. 
- In the meantime the gold which had been promised 
was too slow in coming to satisfy the greedy 
Spaniards. The Inca attributed the delay to the 
great distance of the places which were to furnish 
it, Cuzco being a hundred miles off and the way 
there extremely difficult. He suggested that Pizarro 
should send some of his own men to convince him- 
self that he was able to make good his promise. 
Noticing that Pizarro hesitated about sending his 
men so far into the interior, he said, smiling: " What 
do you fear? Have you not my wives, my children, 
and myself in your power? Are we not a sufficient 
guaranty that no one will be harmed?" Thereupon 
De Soto agreed to make the long journey, accom- 
panied by two Spaniards, and the Inca tendered 
the use of one of his sedan chairs so that his subjects 
might receive him with still greater respect. 

Huascar in the meantime heard in his imprison- 
ment of the Spaniards' lust of gold and his brother's 
agreement. He sought to turn this passion of the 
Europeans to his own advantage, and secretly sent 

[78] 



INCA PROMISED FREEDOM 

messengers to Pizarro to inform him that he would 
give the Spaniard a larger gift of gold than his 
brother if he would assist him in recovering his 
throne. 

Atahualpa, hearing of the offer and fearing that 
Pizarro might accept it before he was released, and 
that he thus might lose both crown and freedom, se- 
cretly ordered his brother to be killed. The order was 
promptly obeyed and Huascar was murdered. It is 
said that as he was dying he spoke these prophetic 
words: "I have reigned but a short time, but this 
usurper who disposes of my life, though he is still my 
subject, will reign no longer than I." Atahualpa 
pretended that it was against his wishes that 
his brother had been murdered, and received the 
news with expressions of astonishment and indigna- 
tion. He immediately sent to Pizarro and informed 
him of the event with every manifestation of deepest 
sorrow. 

In the meantime De Soto and his companions 
continued their journey to Cuzco. Everywhere 
they went they were received with the respect and 
honor which the Peruvians were accustomed to 
pay to their sovereign and divinities. At last they 
arrived at their destination and were astonished at 
the vast quantity of gold and silver in the palaces 
of the Inca and the temples of the sun. Their 
greed for these metals was so ungovernable that they 
proceeded to strip the sacred edifices. The Peru- 
vians, shocked at the idea of such profanation, 

[79] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

assured them they would furnish the necessary 
ransom if they would not despoil the temples. The 
reckless Spaniards, however, tore down the gold 
adornments from the walls and the astonished 
Peruvians had to stand by and witness the desecra- 
tion, so great was the fear with which this handful 
of European robbers was regarded by a whole nation! 
Meanwhile the agreeable news reached the Spanish 
headquarters that Almagro had arrived at San 
Miguel with a strong reinforcement. Fearing that 
these newcomers might demand an equal division 
of the plunder, if they found it still undivided, it 
was decided to portion it out at once, although 
the amount of gold which Atahualpa had agreed 
to secure was not yet complete. The fifth part 
of the whole was set apart for the Emperor and 
twenty thousand pesos for Almagro. Then Pizarro, 
his brother, and the other officers, according 
to their position, received their proportion. In 
the ranks each cavalryman was given eight thou- 
sand and each foot-soldier four thousand pesos. 
(The peso is equivalent in value to about eleven 
United States dollars.) Almagro soon arrived with 
his force at Caxamarca. Although he did not 
regard the share set apart for him and his' com- 
panions by any means as inconsiderable, still he 
and his men could not but feel indignant that 
Pizarro should have appropriated the lion's share 
of it for himself and his people. The result was 
reproaches and quarrels which might easily have 

[80] 



INCA PROMISED FREEDOM 

ended in bloodshed had not Pizarro found ways 
to conciliate his associate with gifts and promises. 
The poor Inca vainly appealed for the fulfilment 
of the promise made to him. He was not set 
at liberty. Both Pizarro and Almagro regarded 
these unfortunate Americans as half men and half 
animals, against whom any injustice might be com- 
mitted without a qualm of conscience. Instead of 
keeping the promise, the Inca was treated with 
shameless indifference and contumely. Fernando 
Pizarro was the only one who seemed to have any 
feeling of pity for him, but he was soon deprived 
even of this consolation. Fernando was selected 
to go to Spain, taking with him the Emperor's 
share of the spoils and reports of the progress of the 
expedition up to that time. The Inca was deeply 
grieved and, when he saw his only protector about 
to leave, said: "Are you going to forsake me, 
Captain? Then indeed I am lost. In your absence 
Big Paunch and One Eye will surely kill me." By 
"One Eye" he meant Almagro and by "Big Paunch" 
the imperial treasurer. 



[81] 



Chapter XI 

Atahualpa is Executed — Pizarro Marches to Cuzco 

THERE were many considerations which made 
the Inca a troublesome prisoner for the 
Spaniards. On the one hand Almagro and 
his soldiers feared that as long as he lived Pizarro 
and his people would claim for themselves all the 
treasure they collected as his ransom. Pizarro also 
regarded himself as personally insulted by Atahualpa. 
Of all the arts of the Europeans the intelligent 
Atahualpa admired none more than that of reading 
and writing. The easy way in which they could 
thus communicate with each other was a revelation 
to him. He was in doubt whether the Spaniards 
were born with this gift or whether they acquired 
it by education and long and skilful practice. To 
satisfy himself he asked one of his guards to write 
the name of his God upon his thumb-nail, and the 
soldier did so. Then he showed his nail to all who 
came into the room and asked them to read the name. 
To his great surprise they all read the same word. 
At last Pizarro came in, and Atahualpa asked him 
also to read it. The unfortunate leader, who had 
been a swine-herd in his youth, had not learned to 
read or write and was forced to expose his ignorance. 

[82] 



ATAHUALPA IS EXECUTED 

From that moment the Inca looked down upon him 
as a man without education, being convinced that 
reading was a mark of intellectual ability and that 
a European who did not possess that gift must be 
of low birth and breeding. Pizarro was furious at 
seeing himself thus regarded by an American and 
watched for an opportunity to wipe out the disgrace 
in blood. 

The low-born, wretched interpreter, Felipillo, at 
this time had suddenly grown presumptuous enough 
to cherish the ambitious project of marrying a 
daughter of the sun, one of the Inca's spouses, but 
was well aware he could not accomplish it while 
the Inca was living. The shameless fellow there- 
upon laid a plot to have the unfortunate Inca put 
out of the way, by circulating the report that he had 
planned the murder of all the Spaniards, and that 
a large force of armed Peruvians was in readiness 
at a certain place to accomplish it. Such a weighty 
accusation as this merited careful investigation, but 
it was sufficient for the barbarian who had already 
decided upon his death and who only needed the 
slightest pretext to give his inhuman purpose a 
color of justice. It is true they pretended to give 
the accused an opportunity to clear himself and 
organized a court before which he could defend 
himself against the accusations brought by Felipillo, 
but as every statement he made in proof of his 
innocence was interpreted by Felipillo, who could 
misstate at his pleasure, it is easy to see that the 

[83] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

trial was a farce and was instituted for the sake of 
future justification. The Inca affirmed his innocence. 
"Am I not/' he said to Pizarro, "a wretched pris- 
oner in your hands ? How could I conceive of such 
a purpose as you accuse me of when I should be 
its first victim? You little know my people if you 
think that such an uprising could occur without my 
consent, for the very birds in my country hardly 
venture to fly against my will." There were not a 
few among the companions of Pizarro who expressed 
detestation of his murderous purpose and used every 
possible exertion to save the unfortunate Inca. But 
they were voted down and he was condemned to 
death. 

Pizarro was cruel enough to announce his fate 
to him. The Inca wept bitterly, threw himself 
upon his knees before his murderer, and implored 
mercy. He protested his innocence and piteously 
complained of the faithlessness which had been 
displayed toward him, in first taking the ransom 
which he had furnished, and then taking his life. 
He finally begged Pizarro, if he did not have confi- 
dence in him, to send him to the Emperor, promising 
to take with him an enormous quantity of gold. After 
he had said this he gave free course to his tears, but 
Pizarro, the cold, pitiless, ' inhuman barbarian, 
simply replied that once his decision was made it 
could not be changed. It was decided he should be 
burned alive. Valverde, the priest, promised that 
his punishment should be a milder one if he accepted 

[8 4 ] 




& 



ECUTIOX OF THE INCA OF PERU BY P1ZARR0 



ATAHUALPA IS EXECUTED 

the Christian faith. The unfortunate victim, already 
half dead, expressed his willingness to do what the 
priest required. He was baptized August 29, 1533, 
and immediately thereafter was beheaded. 

The body of the Inca remained over night at 
the place of execution. On the following morning it 
was taken to the church of St. Francis where an impos- 
ing funeral service was held. Pizarro and his lead- 
ing officers appeared in mourning and the soldiers 
listened in respectful silence to the mass for the dead 
celebrated by Father Valverde. The service was 
interrupted by an outcry in the church from the 
wives and sisters of the deceased, who were ready 
to offer themselves at his grave and accompany 
him to the land of spirits. They were told that 
Atahualpa had died in the Christian faith and that 
the God of the Christians abhorred such offerings. 
As they were removed, several of them placed their 
hands upon the Inca's as if they would gladly go 
with him to their beloved master's dazzling sun home. 
The body of the Inca was at first buried in the 
churchyard of St. Francis, but was subsequently 
removed to Quito. 

This horrible murder quickly aroused universal 
indignation. Pizarro's conscience also smote him, 
and he sought to clear himself of responsibility for 
it, but in vain. He was and will always be regarded 
as the murderer of Atahualpa, whose death destroyed 
the existing order of things in Peru. Milages were 
burned, temples and palaces were looted. Gold was 

[85] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

flung away and concealed, and the precious metals 
were collected and buried in caves and forests. 
The outlying provinces shook off the yoke which 
the Inca had imposed upon them and were ruled 
by their chieftains at the head of their warriors 
as self-appointed governors. Among these was 
Ruminavi, a chief on the borders of Quito, who 
sought to sever that kingdom from Peru and secure 
for it again its former independence. In view of 
this situation Pizarro decided to give the Peruvians 
an Inca and rule them through him. The real 
heir to the throne was the second son of Huayna 
Capac, Manco by name, the legitimate brother of 
the unfortunate Huascar, but Pizarro, knowing 
little of his sentiments, made the young Topascas, 
brother of Atahualpa, Inca, and' the coronation 
was carried out with as much ceremony as cir- 
cumstances permitted. Pizarro observed with great 
satisfaction the internal disorder, for he saw how 
much easier it made the subjection of the country. 
Not to lose a moment in taking advantage of his 
opportunity, he decided to move at once upon 
Cuzco, the capital. A force of about five hundred 
men set out immediately for the sacred city. The 
young Inca followed, attended by a numerous 
retinue, and conducted himself with as much pomp 
and formality as if he were already in possession of 
his power. 

Although the road had been selected with great 
care they encountered many difficulties, particularly 

[86]' 



ATAHUALPA IS EXECUTED 

the cavalry, when they were obliged to cross hanging 
bridges made of wicker. After strenuous exertions 
they reached the beautiful valley of Xauxa, where 
the young Inca died, much to the disappointment 
of Pizarro, who had intended to use him as a cloak 
for his designs. On this account and fearing attacks 
from the natives, he sent back the booty collected 
in Xauxa under a strong guard, and continued his 
march. He had nothing to fear, for the disorder of 
the country now was so great and the reinforcements 
which had arrived from Panama and other Spanish 
settlements so strong, that he could depend upon a 
successful accomplishment of his undertaking. Quiz- 
quiz, a native chief, organized a considerable force 
and attacked the Spaniards, but his horde of inex- 
perienced natives could not withstand the handful 
of hardened European soldiers. The battle ended 
with frightful slaughter of the assailants, hardly one 
of the Spaniards being injured. On the fifteenth of 
November, 1533, Pizarro arrived at Cuzco. 

The booty which they secured at the capital was 
enormous, surpassing in value the treasure which 
Atahualpa collected as his ransom, although much 
had been carried away by the natives before the 
Spaniards arrived. The Spaniards in consequence 
at last began to put little value upon the gold 
which they acquired so easily and in such vast quan- 
tities. Pizarro's delight at the successful achieve- 
ment of his purpose was marred by a disaster which 
had happened to some of his men on the march, 

[87] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

growing out of gross carelessness. They had fallen 
into the hands of a band of Peruvians a r nd were taken 
to a brother of Atahualpa for judgment. Those 
among them who had tried to prevent the death 
of the Inca he released and richly rewarded, but 
those who had been concerned in the murder he 
had strangled at the stake where his brother had 
perished. 

In the meantime, in another part of the shattered 
Empire, another event occurred which hastened its 
downfall. Benalcazar, whom Pizarro had left behind 
with a small force at San Miguel, heard of the progress 
made by the expedition to Cuzco and chafed under 
the necessity which forced him to lead an unprofitable 
and inglorious life while his companions were enrich- 
ing themselves with gold and laurels. To dispel 
this inactivity he decided to set out for Quito, the 
capital of the province of the same name. Ruminavi 
was in possession there and he made his plans to 
attack him. A transport of recruits, arriving just 
at the right time, placed him in position to carry 
out his purpose. Leaving a small force at San 
Miguel, he set out. The way was long and difficult, 
but they overcame all obstacles, defeated Ruminavi, 
who had opposed them with the flower of the 
Peruvian soldiers, put them to flight, and took 
possession of Quito, where they hoped to find what 
was left of Atahualpa's treasures. They were 
sadly disappointed, however. The city was desti- 
tute of booty, for the natives, to disappoint the greedy 

[88] 



ATAHUALPA IS EXECUTED 

Spaniards, had taken care to remove everything of 
any value. Thus the Spaniards had their long and 
difficult march for nothing. 

Now appears another character upon the stage. 
As a reward for his service in Mexico, the valiant 
Alvarado had been rewarded by Cortez with the 
governorship of Guatemala. Hearing of Pizarro's 
success and being a restless, adventurous man, he 
resolved to go to Peru to share danger and rewards 
with his countrymen. His famous name attracted 
so many bold adventurers to his standard that he 
embarked with five hundred men, two hundred of 
whom had sufficient means to purchase horses, which 
at that time could only be bought by the very 
wealthy. He landed at Portoviejo, a port south 
of the equator, and from there marched inland 
toward Quito. There was no more difficult road 
in all America than the one he selected. The hard- 
ships which Pizarro and his men had experienced 
in all their previous expeditions were no more 
severe than Alvarado had to endure in this one 
march. Hunger at last forced them to kill and eat 
their horses, and their thirst was so great that the 
only way they could slake it was to lick the dew from 
the bushes. The cold was so intense in the moun- 
tains, which they had to climb, that sixty of them 
perished. In the lower regions a still more dreadful 
fate awaited them. The winds which swept over 
Cotopaxi brought with them such hot ashes that 
sometimes they were enveloped in a fiery cloud and 

[8 9 ] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

some of them died from inhaling the hot air. 
Alvarado, however, pressed on, regardless of all 
obstacles, and at last neared the city of Quito, 
which was already in Benalcazar's possession. 



[90] 



Chapter XII 



Peru in the Greatest Disorder — Pizarro Places Manco upon 
his Father's Throne and Founds the City of Lima — 
He is also Confirmed as Governor of the Conquered 
Country — Conflict with Almagro, who Attempts the 
Conquest of Chili 

BENALCAZAR, who had been joined a short 
time before by Almagro and his forces, was 
greatly disturbed at the new T s of an approach- 
ing European army. Alvarado's designs were not 
known at the time, consequently Benalcazar knew 
not whether to expect an ally or an enemy. He 
decided, however, to march out and meet him, what- 
ever might befall. Seven troopers were sent in 
advance to secure information, but by some mis- 
chance found themselves in the midst of Alvarado's 
men and were taken prisoners. They were brought 
before Alvarado, who, after asking them several 
questions about the number and condition of their 
force, treated them kindly and released them without 
giving them the least hint of his designs. This 
confirmed the suspicions of Benalcazar and Almagro, 
and they prepared to give battle. The shameless 
Felipillo, always ready for any vile deed which 
would inure to his own advantage, engaged in a 
new act of treachery by which he hoped to mount 

[91] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

still higher. He deserted to Alvarado's army and 
agreed, if the necessary means were placed in his 
hands, not only to capture Almagro in person but 
in a short time to make him (Alvarado) master of 
the whole region. The magnanimous Alvarado, 
however, treated his offer with contempt, and his 
perfidious scheme was frustrated. 

Meanwhile the two armies advanced until they 
were in sight of each other and then halted, awaiting 
some move on either side which would decide whether 
they were bent upon hostility or friendly communi- 
cation. Both were too haughty to make friendly 
advances, and undoubtedly they would have speedily 
come to violence had not a common-sense man, who 
was a lawyer, not a soldier, addressed both parties 
and advised a truce of twenty-four hours for calm 
consideration of the situation. This was agreed 
to, and a settlement was soon reached. Alvarado 
was promised a hundred thousand pesos to pay for 
the cost of his expedition, and he agreed to return 
to his own province and not interfere in Peruvian 
affairs in the future. 

The right to the throne of Peru after the murder 
of Atahualpa and the death of Topascas belonged 
to Manco, another son of Huayna Capac. Without 
any hesitation Pizarro decided to place him upon 
the throne and rule the country through him. 
Manco's accession was enthusiastically greeted by 
the people, who rejoiced to be ruled again by a 
prince of the old "line of Cuzco. The customary 

[92] 



PERU IN DISORDER 



coronation ceremony was rigidly observed, the young 
prince kept the prescribed fast, and at the designated 
time the nobles and the people, together with the 
entire Spanish army, assembled in the great plaza 
of Cuzco to participate in the pageant. Father 
Valverde celebrated the mass publicly, and the Inca 
received the crown from the hand of Pizarro. The 
Indian chief took the oath of loyalty, and during 
this function the banner of Castile was waved over 
them, not in token of Spanish triumph but of their 
own humiliation. The prince was a plaything in 
the hands of the conqueror. The glory of the 
Children of the Sun had departed, but the people 
submitted willingly to this mockery, appeared to 
be satisfied w T ith the phantom of their former inde- 
pendence, and feasted, drank, and danced, careless 
of the future. 

Pizarro's first step was the organization of a civil 
administration similar to those in the mother country. 
Gonzalo and Juan, his brothers, were appointed 
among other officials. Houses and lands were 
freely distributed among the Spaniards, Valverde 
was named Bishop of Cuzco and began his duties 
by turning the old structures into Christian cloisters 
and churches, where pious monks preached Chris- 
tianity. Almagro and Benalcazar, in the meantime, 
accompanied by Alvarado, who was anxious to see 
Pizarro before his departure, returned to Quito. 
They had several fierce encounters with the brave 
Quizquiz, in which fourteen Spaniards were killed 

[93] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

and fifty wounded. At last, as they neared the 
city to which Quizquiz and his men had retreated, 
the chief could not decide which way to turn. Some 
of his leaders were in favor of imploring for peace, 
but his bitterness against the oppressors of his 
country was so intense that he threatened any one 
with death who ventured again to give such advice. 
Others suggested that he should give decisive battle 
at once, and when he rejected this advice also, one 
of his chiefs became so furious that he hurled a 
spear through his body. The Peruvians thereupon 
scattered, and the Spaniards advanced without 
hindrance. Pizarro, in the meantime, had been 
informed of Alvarado's arrival and the agreement 
made with him, and resolved to meet his dreaded rival 
and induce him to return to Guatemala, the sooner 
the better. In their interview he overwhelmed him 
with displays of honor to flatter his pride, and 
counted out for him not only the promised hundred 
thousand pesos but added a great quantity of various 
costly adornments and precious stones as a voluntary 
contribution. Alvarado thereupon returned, leaving 
behind most of his men who took service under 
Pizarro, and the latter despatched his ally, Almagro, 
to Cuzco, as he wished to go to the coast. He 
commended his friend to the Inca, whom he left in 
care of his two brothers, and ordered him to treat 
the ruler kindly as well as the rest of the Peruvians 
who had submitted. 

Pizarro next gave his consideration to the found- 

[94] 



PERU IN DISORDER 



ing of a city which should be the central point of 
the conquered region and the seat of his govern- 
ment. He selected a site in a pleasant and fertile 
valley near the coast, lying upon the river Nimac, 
subsequently called Lima. There the first stone 
was laid on the so-called Three Kings' Day, January 
6, 1535, and from that circumstance the city was 
called Ciudad de los Reyes ("City of the Kings"). 
It is now called Lima and has often been destroyed 
by earthquakes. Its upbuilding proceeded so rapidly 
that it seemed to spring from the earth. Pizarro 
adorned it with a splendid palace, built for himself, 
and his officers followed his example and erected 
buildings for themselves proportionate to their 
means. In the meantime Fernando Pizarro reached 
Spain, having taken with him a great quantity of 
gold and silver, constituting the fifth part of the 
spoils, which had been assigned to the Emperor. 
The monarch was astonished at the amount, and 
Court and people vied with each other in lavishing 
attentions and honors upon Fernando. The order 
of St. Jago was bestowed upon him, an honor 
highly prized by Spanish noblemen and the oldest 
families. His brother Franz and Almagro were 
not forgotten. The Emperor made the former a 
marquis and not only confirmed him as governor 
of the territory already conceded to him, but ex- 
tended the same seventy miles southward along the 
coast. All these remote regions were described in 
the patent granted him as New Castile. Almagro 

[95] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

received from Pizarro, besides the promised position 
of deputy governor, authority over two hundred 
miles of territory south of Pizarro's domains, which 
had yet to be conquered, described in the imperial 
records as New Toledo. . The news of these events 
reached Peru before Fernando returned. 

Almagro had no sooner received the news that 
independent authority had been granted to him 
over the southern lands that might be acquired 
than he asserted that Cuzco, the Inca's residence, 
lay within the territory assigned him, and that 
Pizarro must give it up. Pizarro, however, who was 
determined to extend his rule as far as possible, 
encouraged by the favors shown him by the Emperor, 
stoutly maintained the contrary. The two men, 
both jealous and ambitious, angrily maintained 
their positions. Both had adherents and the time 
seemed to be at hand for the agreeable spectacle 
to the Peruvians of an unnatural civil strife among 
the Spaniards. Fortunately each of the two leaders 
had too high an opinion of the importance of the 
other not to wish for some peaceful settlement. 
Pizarro made friendly proposals, and Almagro was 
misled by his own loyalty to entertain them. They 
were as follows: Almagro should attempt the con- 
quest of Chili, or New Toledo. If he found that this 
territory was not as great or rich as they expected, 
Pizarro would give up a part of Peru. Although 
Almagro had repeatedly experienced the unrelia- 
bility of Pizarro's promises he decided once more 

[ 9 6] 



PERU IN DISORDER 



to trust him. They sealed the new compact in 
the same manner as they had their original one, 
and Almagro set out on his expedition to Chili. 

The force which he led was of proportionate 
importance to the magnitude of his undertaking. 
Nearly six hundred Europeans were enrolled under 
his banners, and Manco, the Inca, supported him 
with an army of fifteen thousand Peruvians. From 
Cuzco to Chili there were two routes. The one was 
level and easily passable, running along the flat 
coast, and was the longer. The other, which was 
much shorter, led through the rough and high moun- 
tain region separating Peru and Chili. On account 
of the severe cold and the great quantity of snow 
covering the route it was only passable in the 
middle of summer and even then with great diffi- 
culty. The Peruvians advised them to take the 
longer and more comfortable route, but their 
advice was rejected. Almagro and his compan- 
ions considered themselves so immune to all vicis- 
situdes of weather that the dreadful description 
of the hardships they must encounter not only 
made no impression upon them, but they foolishly 
resolved to show the Peruvians that nothing was 
impossible to Europeans. So they took the moun- 
tain route. Their temerity cost them dearly. The 
farther they penetrated the inhospitable region, the 
more they found the statements of the Peruvians 
confirmed, and the more unendurable became their 
condition. The cold was so intense that constant 

[97] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

activity alone kept them from freezing. Their 
strength failed them also, for in this region, covered 
with eternal snow, there was no subsistence. In 
addition to these troubles they were exposed to 
attack from native mountaineers, whose extraor- 
dinary courage, as well as extraordinary skill with 
the bow, harassed them not a little. 

Suffering such hardships, Almagro's army began 
to dwindle away. Several Spaniards and still more 
of the Peruvians froze their feet and died, leaning 
against trees or rocks, like so many statues. Some 
of the historians say that five months after this 
their bodies were found in the same position, holding 
in stiffened hands the bridles of their frozen horses. 
At last, after indescribable suffering, they were 
fortunate enough to reach the fertile and pleasant 
plains of Chili. The flat part of this country, 
which stretches along the coast, north and south, 
satisfied their expectations. The climate was one 
of the mildest and most agreeable in the world. 
One would expect it to be very hot as Chili lies 
near the equator, but the heat is tempered by the 
snows of the Cordilleras on the one hand and the 
Southern Ocean on the other. All kinds of shrubs 
and plants grow in its fertile soil. In a word, this 
fortunate land not only enjoys the advantages of 
Quito but is free from the storms and earthquakes 
which make Quito such an undesirable place of 
residence. The most important part of the trade 
between the two countries, Peru and Chili, is carried 

[ 9 8] 



PERU IN DISORDER 



on between Lima and Santiago by the means of 
vessels. At the mouths of the rivers upon which 
these two cities are situated are two smaller cities, 
Callao and Valparaiso, which are the ports for Lima 
and Santiago. 



[99] 



Chapter XIII 



The Traitor Felipillo is Quartered — Manco Besieges Cuzco 
and Lima at the Same Time — The Spaniards in Sore 
Straits — Almagro Returns from Chili, Defeats the 
Inca, and Captures Cuzco 

ALMAGRO at last safely reached Chili and 
found it a magnificent country, but he discov- 
ered at the same time that the people were 
entirely different from the patient and good-natured 
Peruvians. It was a warlike nation, in no way 
disposed to submit to the yoke of servitude. They 
were strong, bold, free men, who, although they were 
surprised at the sight of a European army and at 
the effect of fire-arms, still were not so overcome with 
astonishment that they could not offer resistance to 
the stranger robbers. Although they got the worst 
of it in every encounter, they were not intimidated 
but rallied again and again and stoutly defended 
every foot of land they possessed. This and another 
disagreeable occurrence caused Almagro to abandon 
the conquest of the country and return to Peru. 

The shameless Felipillo organized a conspiracy 

in the army against Almagro's life for which he paid 

the penalty he had so long deserved. When he 

found that his treachery was known, he attempted 

[ioo] 



SPANIARDS IN STRAITS 

to escape. He was arrested, however, and as his 
villainy was proven he was condemned to be 
quartered, and the terrible punishment was inflicted. 

About the time that this conspiracy was dis- 
covered and punished, news came of another dis- 
quieting event in Peru which hastened Almagro's 
return. It was reported that the country was in 
disorder, owing to an uprising incited by Manco, 
who had induced his people to take up arms and 
attempt to throw off the Spanish yoke. After 
Almagro's withdrawal from Cuzco, the Inca had 
been arrested and fettered upon the charge of dis- 
loyalty. Pizarro at the time had gone to the new 
city of Lima with a part of his troops. Another 
part of them had been despatched under various 
leaders to places which had not yet been completely 
subjected. A few remained in Cuzco under com- 
mand of his brothers, Juan and Gonzalo. Although 
the poor Inca was most carefully guarded by them 
he found means for acquainting some of the head 
men of the nation with the deplorable situation in 
which he was placed. They already knew of the 
calamities of the fatherland, but some were at one 
place and others at another, fugitives in the moun- 
tains, so that they had no opportunity to com- 
municate with each other and settle upon some 
commander under whose banners they could unite. 

Fernando Pizarro in the meantime returned 
from Spain and joined his brothers, Juan and Gon- 
zalo, in Cuzco. He, the gentlest and most com- 

[IOI] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

passionate of the brothers, took the fate of the 
unfortunate Manco greatly to heart and alleviated 
his condition all he could. The Inca therefore put 
great reliance in him and at last ventured to ask 
permission to attend an annual festival of his people 
some miles distant from Cuzco. Fernando gave 
his consent, and the Inca was released from his 
prison. Hardly had the report of his release been 
spread abroad, before the head men of the nation, 
upon the pretext of celebrating the festival, hastily 
gathered together from every part of the country 
and selected a leader. The war flag was unfurled, 
and in an incredibly short time all Peru was under 
arms. A considerable part of the Spaniards, who 
in fancied security were scattered about the country 
either singly or in small bands, were attacked and 
slain. Peruvian warriors flocked in from all sides, 
and in a short time Manco found himself at the head 
of an army so mighty that, if we may credit the 
historians, he advanced upon Cuzco with two hun- 
dred thousand men, and sent a still larger force to 
Lima, so as to attack the two capitals at the same 
time. 

The three Pizarros in command at Cuzco, when the 
city was so suddenly invested by Manco's immense 
army, had not over one hundred and seventy men. 
The enemy outnumbered them over a thousand to 
one. . One of the brothers, Juan, was killed in the 
very first attack by a stone's cast. He was not only 
a very brave but a very excellent man and under- 

[102] 



"* 



fcq 



t*1 

Co 

to 

Co 






*< 




SPANIARDS IN STRAITS 

stood best of all the Spaniards how to treat the 
Peruvians so as to secure their good-will and con- 
fidence. His death therefore grieved not only his 
brothers but all the Spanish army, for they felt 
they had lost one of their best leaders. Both the 
capitals, Cuzco and Lima, were now shut in on every 
side, and both the Spanish forces found themselves 
similarly situated and confronted by the same 
danger, with no possibility of communicating with 
or rendering assistance to each other. There was 
no hope of rescue left. The number of Spaniards 
killed in various parts of the country at the out- 
break of hostilities was about six hundred. The 
Peruvians secured their weapons and horses and 
made use of them to the best of their ability after the 
manner in which they had seen them employed by 
the Europeans. They formed in close ranks, used the 
spears, swords, and shields like the Spaniards, and 
even ventured to fire the muskets. The Inca and 
his officers rode the horses. Although it was a very 
crude imitation of European war-making, still it 
greatly increased the advantage the Peruvians 
possessed because of the immense number of their 
warriors. 

The situation of the Europeans grew more des- 
perate daily. The Inca captured one section of the 
city and invested the two Pizarros so closely in 
their quarters that they knew nothing of what was 
going on. Their uncertainty as to the fate of their 
brothers in Lima made their situation still more 

[103] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

wretched, for their attempts to get news from them 
were fruitless, all the roads between Lima and Cuzco 
being carefully guarded. The governor's situation 
in the meantime was much more favorable than 
that of his brothers, for 'the proximity of the sea 
gave him the advantage of reinforcements brought 
from time to time in transports from Panama. 
To compel his men to face the alternative of victory 
or death he sent all the vessels back so that no 
possibility of escape remained. At the same time, 
as fast as his own force was increased, he sent 
small detachments, led by able commanders, to the 
help of his brothers in Cuzco. But a sad fate over- 
took some of them. Don Diego Pizarro, his cousin, 
who was despatched with seventy cavalrymen, was 
attacked in a narrow pass, and all were killed. 
Gonzales von Tafic, another officer, who had eighty 
men under him, met with a like fate. Two more 
leaders and their men also were lost, making in all 
over three hundred Spaniards, not one of whom 
escaped to tell the story of the others' fate. . 

At last the governor was enabled to meet his 
enemies in the open field, having received a strong 
reinforcement headed by one Alphonso de Alvarado, 
brother of the well-known leader whom we have 
already met. He at once made use of his advantage, 
attacked the countless swarm of Peruvians, and 
drove them into the mountains. Now he could 
breathe more freely, for his army was no longer 
needed in that region. and the way was open to go to 

[104] 



SPANIARDS IN STRAITS 

the relief of his brothers whose fate was still a 
mystery. Alvarado, who had rescued him, came to 
his help with three hundred men, soon joined by 
two hundred more, and marched upon Cuzco. Before 
reaching the city, however, an unexpected event 
changed the situation there. Almagro returned 
from Chili and marched to Cuzco without knowing 
what had happened there. He had with him the 
imperial patent which Fernando had brought, con- 
ferring upon him authority over all the southern 
territory outside of Pizarro's domain. The more 
he studied the contents of this document, the more 
firmly he was convinced that it was the Emperor's 
intention to give Cuzco to him and not to Pizarro. 
Therefore he resolved to take possession of it at 
once. He was not a little astonished to find, as he 
approached it, that one part of the city had been 
burned, that another was occupied by Manco, and 
that the third was still held by Pizarro, who was in 
imminent danger of having his defences carried by 
storm. As the exact situation, however, was not 
fully known to him, he advanced cautiously to 
gain the needed information. His movements were 
known in Cuzco, but neither the Peruvians nor the 
Spaniards were certain whether he came as a friend 
or an enemy. Both sides made advances to secure 
his friendship and assistance. The Inca recognized 
how valuable these Europeans would be to him as 
allies, and the Pizarros knew they were lost if he 
joined their enemies. The demands which he made, 

[105] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

however, were as unsatisfactory to the one side as 
to the other. He insisted that his right should be 
acknowledged in Cuzco and that the city should be 
given up to him, but his demand was opposed by the 
Inca even more strenuously than by the Pizarros. 
When Manco at last realized that Almagro could 
not be induced to withdraw it, he decided to break 
off the fruitless negotiations and decide the matter 
by the sword. He offered battle to Almagro with 
the usual result. European skill was, superior to 
numbers. Manco was defeated and was forced to 
raise the siege of Cuzco and fly for safety to the 
mountains. Now it became a contest between 
Spaniards. Almagro adhered to his demand and 
the Pizarros to their refusal. In the meantime 
Almagro reached the gates of Cuzco, and, as his 
magnanimous, straightforward manner in compari- 
son with the cunning of the Pizarros greatly 
endeared him to the common soldiers, a part of the 
garrison deserted to him and placed him in a posi- 
tion to make himself master of the city by a night 
attack. This was accomplished so quietly and 
boldly that the Pizarros were taken unawares and 
suddenly found Almagro and his men before their 
defences and blocking their exit. The city* was 
captured with hardly a blow, and the Pizarros, 
hemmed in, were called upon to surrender. Coura- 
geously seeking to achieve the impossible, they 
fought so long and stubbornly that at last their 
strength was exhausted and they were forced to 

[106] 



SPANIARDS IN STRAITS 

surrender. They were made unconditional prisoners 
and placed under strong guard. 

Thus matters stood in Cuzco when Alvarado, 
who knew nothing of the circumstances, arrived 
with his army in the neighborhood of the capital. 
He had only to cross a river to be there, but to his 
great surprise he found the opposite banks occupied 
by Spaniards, ready to receive him as an enemy. 
He could not comprehend what it all meant until 
he was informed by Almagro, who was anxious to 
secure his favor, of what had taken place in the city. 
He offered gifts and inducements of every kind to 
secure his service and made him alluring promises 
of gain if he would desert Pizarro, but Alvarado 
was steadfast in his loyalty and could not be moved. 
There was an officer in Alvarado's army who was 
induced, either by his greed or by his hatred of the 
Pizarros, to devise a plot for the betrayal of the 
leader, and he also prevailed upon some of his 
companions to participate in the shameful act. 
Almagro, who had been informed of this, quietly 
made his preparations, and, before Alvarado was 
aware of it, a hostile army was in his camp and he 
was made prisoner. The conspirators had stolen 
his own and his truest friends' arms on the previous 
evening so that they could not offer the slightest 
resistance. The larger number of his force were 
conspirators and compelled the rest to yield. All 
laid down their arms and were taken to Cuzco by 
Almagro. 

[107] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Almagro now counselled with his friends as to 
the disposal of the prisoners. The boldest and most 
unfeeling of them were unanimously of opinion that 
the Pizarros, Alvarado, and some of the stanchest 
adherents of the governor should be taken to the 
place of execution at once. Almagro listened to 
them, acknowledged they were right, but, greatly 
to his honor be it said, declined to follow their ad- 
vice. He even went further. Although it was clearly 
apparent that, if he now marched with his vic- 
torious army to Lima, he could easily overpower the 
governor's forces, and, although it was still more 
apparent that this dispute had now become so bitter 
that there was no other settlement than the sword, 
yet he would not move a step except in self-defence, 
so that he should not be responsible for the blood- 
shed of civil strife. Having made this decision, 
he returned to Cuzco to await the action of the 
governor. 



[108] 



Chapter XIV 



Pizarro and Almagro Enemies — Negotiations Fail — 
Spaniards Fight Spaniards Near Cuzco — Pizarro is 
Victorious — Almagro Taken Prisoner 

NO news had yet reached Pizarro of the events 
which had happened at Cuzco, but when 
it did come, it was like one thunder-clap 
after another. The death of his brother Juan, the 
return of Almagro, the imprisonment of his two 
other brothers, the loss of the capital, the defeat 
and imprisonment of his loyal friend Alvarado — 
all these tragic occurrences, any one of which would 
have unnerved a man of less firmness, were 
announced to him at once. But these manifold 
calamities only increased his courage. He knew 
Almagro's sense of honor and his own crafty skill, 
and upon these he built hopes of a speedy better- 
ment of the situation. As he was awaiting a new 
and strong reinforcement from Panama, he made his 
plans to gain time and keep his rival inactive until 
he was a match for him and perhaps his superior. 
It was easy for this conscienceless man to assume 
a mask for any occasion, and Almagro's credulity 
also helped him. He also pretended to be desirous 
of ending all hostility by some favorable agreement, 

[109] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

and anxious to open negotiations with him. These 
were protracted by him so as to gain time to carry 
out his purpose, and many months passed without 
any action on Almagro's part. 

In the meantime Piz'arro received strong rein- 
forcements of men and material and was ready to 
throw off the mask and act more boldly, when 
good luck came to his assistance in an unexpected 
manner. His brother Gonzalo and Alvarado not 
only managed to escape but bribed sixty troopers 
to go with them. Pizarro's delight at this windfall 
was as great as Almagro's chagrin at the escape of 
the two men whose services would be so valuable 
to his rival. One of Pizarro's brothers, however, 
Fernando, still remained a prisoner. He must be 
freed before Pizarro could venture to disclose his 
real intentions. But how could he secure his 
freedom, especially as he would be doubly guarded 
after the escape of Gonzalo and Alvarado? To 
effect this, he devised a new and treacherous scheme 
and proposed that the differences existing between 
them should be submitted to the decision of the 
Emperor. As Almagro was satisfied with this plan, 
the cunning negotiator went a step further and 
requested Almagro to release his brother and allow 
him to go to Spain, deputed by both sides to 
present the case to the Emperor. The plot suc- 
ceeded. Fernando was released and the treacher- 
ous knave threw off his mask. To Almagro's 
astonishment, he boldly declared that this matter 

[no] 



PIZARRO IS VICTORIOUS 

must now be settled not by words but by the 
sword. 

Pizarro had by this time a formidable army, 
including two full companies of musketeers, an 
unusual thing in America, for at that time fire-arms 
were so scarce that only a few could be provided 
with them. As he saw that his brothers burned 
with hatred toward Almagro and were eager to 
wipe out the shame of their imprisonment in the 
blood of the enemy, he gave them command of the 
larger part of the army and empowered them to 
inaugurate the bloody tragedy of civil war. Their 
road led across a spur of the Andes. It would 
have been easy for Almagro to have destroyed 
Pizarro's army with a handful of men, if he had 
attacked it in the narrow passes, especially as many 
of Pizarro's men, w r ho had not been acclimated, 
were overcome by an ailment resembling seasick- 
ness. But he did not do it. He deemed it better 
for two reasons to await the enemy on the plains 
at Cuzco: One was that he wished to avoid 
in every way the responsibility of beginning this 
civil strife, and the other was that he might have 
room for the movements of his cavalry, in which he 
was superior to the enemy. He also strengthened 
the city as well as he could and disposed his army 
in as advantageous positions as possible, but unfor- 
tunately he was not able to take command in person. 
His advanced age and his many hardships had so 
weakened him that he was no longer strong on his 

[mi 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 



feet. This obliged him to entrust the command 
to Orgognez, a man who was not lacking in courage 
and devotion to his commander but without that 
influence and power over the soldiers which the 
loved and honored Almagro possessed. 

The decisive day was quickly at hand. The 
Pizarros safely crossed the mountains and advanced 
upon the plains of Cuzco. Both armies confronted 
each other, ready for battle. The imperial banners 
waved on each side. The dreadful spectacle, about 
to occur, had attracted an incredible multitude of 
the natives, who stood upon the adjacent heights 
and rejoiced at the sight of their tyrants ready 
to tear each other to pieces. The old and feeble 
Almagro was taken to an eminence from which he 
could survey the battlefield, a happy or an unhappy 
witness of the fortunate or unfortunate outcome of 
the struggle. The sun rose brilliantly, as always 
in that beautiful region, on Saturday, the twenty- 
sixth of April, 1538, but long before its beam illumi- 
nated the plain Fernando Pizarro's trumpets had 
called his men to arms. His forces were about 
seven hundred strong. After mass had been read, 
Fernando made a short appeal to his men, in which 
he referred to the personal injuries he and his 
family had suffered at the hands of Almagro, which 
reminded the old soldiers of the loss of Cuzco and 
brought a blush of shame to their cheeks. His 
appeal was received with enthusiasm and then the 
struggle began. It was apparently an uncertain 

[112] 



PIZARRO IS VICTORIOUS 

battle, for it was not a contest between white men 
and defenceless Indians but between Spaniards 
and Spaniards, with the inspiring battle cry on 
either side of "El Rey y Almagro," or "El Rey y 
Pizarro." 

Both sides fought with a courage worthy of the 
highest admiration if it had not been inspired by 
ambition and the spirit of revenge. The front 
ranks of Orgognez's army at the beginning suffered 
so heavily that they soon lost their spirit and did 
not obey the orders of their commander. From 
that moment he recognized that all was lost and 
resolved he would not survive his own and his 
master's misfortune. In the anguish of despair 
he cried out to his men, "By the Almighty, I will 
do my duty and seek death. He who will, let him 
follow me." Thereupon he fiercely charged the 
enemy and a terrible hand to hand battle ensued. 
Orgognez was wounded in the head, and his helmet 
was shattered by shot, but he did not cease fighting. 
Observing an attendant of Fernando Pizarro, who 
was richly clad, and mistaking him for his master, 
he rushed at him and pierced him with his lance, 
but he was hemmed in by so many of the enemy 
that his brave defence of himself was of no avail. 
His opponents, who were not utterly destitute of 
humanity, attempted to take him prisoner, but 
after they had succeeded, a soldier who had some 
private grievance against him killed the defenceless 
man with a terrible blow upon the head. Similarly 

[113] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

brutal acts occurred in other cases, although Fer- 
nando Pizarro and his leaders, as soon as the fortune 
of battle was decided, made all possible effort to 
check bloodshed. 

The unfortunate Almagro had to stand by help- 
lessly and witness the defeat of his army. Sorrow 
and anger alternately filled the breast of the old 
warrior, both at his own inability to do anything and 
at the fruitless effort of his men. When at last he 
saw that all was lost, he attempted to escape, but 
it was too late. He was overtaken and' fell into the 
enemy's hand. 



[in] 



Chapter XV 

Almagro is Beheaded in the Market-place of Cuzco — Gon- 
zalo Pizarro's Expedition to the Amazon Ri\ 



Aver 



THE city of Cuzco surrendered to the victors 
without offering resistance. Almagro was 
placed in chains and closely guarded as a 
state prisoner. What disposition was to be made 
of him remained a secret for several months. In 
the meantime the Pizarros endeavored to remove 
all those who sympathized with Almagro from the 
city and to persuade his most active followers to 
join an expedition to distant regions which had not 
yet come under Spanish subjection. All the enter- 
prising leaders of the Almagro faction seized upon 
this opportunity to free themselves from a life of 
inactivity and to forsake the place where their com- 
mander was in chains with no possible hope of 
escape. Thus gradually the city was vacated by 
those whose presence thus far had compelled the 
Pizarros to keep their dastardly purpose a secret. 
These having been removed, their hands were free. 
They proceeded at once to the accomplishment of 
their infamous design, and to give this cruelty an 
appearance of justice a tribunal was organized to 
pass sentence upon the unfortunate old man. He 

[115] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

was accused of high treason, or, what amounts 
to the same thing, an outbreak against the lawful 
authority of the country. He was further accused 
of having resisted the imperial decree and invaded 
the rights of the governor, although the wishes of the 
Emperor were not yet fully known, and the limits of 
Pizarro's rule were not yet fixed. In vain Almagro 
protested that he had no intention to encroach upon 
the rights of his former associate and that he had 
only occupied Cuzco because he thought it was 
"within the boundaries established by the patent 
as part of his territory. They gave his reply no 
consideration but sentenced him to death. 

Almagro upon a thousand occasions had shown 
himself a man of extraordinary courage and did not 
know what it was to be afraid of death, and yet 
the news of the death sentence filled him with 
terror. The thought that he must die at the hand 
of the headsman, like a common malefactor, made 
him shudder, and so humiliated his once resolute 
spirit that he made piteous supplications, hopiing 
to move the hard hearts of his cruel victors to com- 
passion. He reminded them of the sacred league of 
friendship which their brother had made with him 
and of the kind treatment which they had received 
when they were prisoners. He tearfully besought 
them to pity his age and his weakness and to permit 
him to devote the rest of his little remnant of life 
to repentance for his sins and to preparation for 
the other life. Many of the hardened soldiers could 

[n6] 



AMAZON EXPEDITION 

not restrain their tears as they listened to the old 
man's appeals, but the iron hearts of the Pizarros 
remained unmoved. They even derided his weak- 
ness in begging for his life and bade him summon up 
all his courage and face death with the composure 
of a Christian and the courage of a brave noble- 
man. 

The dejected Almagro several times endeavored 
to move the hearts of his murderers to compassion, 
but when he discovered it was useless and that the 
unjust sentence was irrevocable, he recovered his 
customary dignity and said with noble courage: 
"Take my life and satiate your cruelty in my blood." 
Thereupon he made his will with the utmost com- 
posure, naming the Emperor and his son as his 
heirs. Immediately afterwards, being then in the 
sixty-fifth year of his age, he was beheaded publicly 
in the market-place of Cuzco. Among those who 
were pained by the death of Almagro none took it 
more to heart than a certain Diego de Alvarado, 
a meritorious officer who had been influential in 
securing the release of Fernando Pizarro from his 
imprisonment. He felt all the more sorrowful over 
the cruel fate of his friend because he realized that 
by his own well-meant but unfortunate advice he 
had assisted in this calamity. He therefore resolved 
to risk everything in an effort to avenge his friend's 
murder. With this object in view he improved the 
earliest opportunity to go to Spain. As soon as he 
arrived he presented himself at Court and made 

[»7] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

such a detailed report of the treachery and cruelty 
of the Pizarros that the Emperor was shocked. Not 
satisfied with this, he also asked permission to make 
good his accusation, after the custom of that time, 
with his sword, and to challenge Francisco Pizarro 
to combat as the real author of the tragedy which 
had occurred. The Emperor was in doubt how to 
decide, and before he reached a conclusion, the honor- 
able Alvarado died, and so suddenly that there were 
suspicions that he had been poisoned by Pizarro's 
-friends. 

Alvarado's accusations made a deep impression 
upon the Emperor and his ministers, but they knew 
not how to act, for Pizarro had so firmly established 
his power in the region conquered by him that it 
seemed very hazardous to use force against him. 
In the meantime they took counsel over the matter 
and decided to summon Fernando Pizarro to Spain 
to give an account of his own and his brother's 
administrations. Fernando sailed from Lima to 
Spain in the Summer of 1539. He appeared at 
Court with almost regal pomp, denied the accusa- 
tions which had been made, and sought to justify 
the execution of Almagro upon the ground that he 
had begun the civil war and therefore was treated 
as a rebel. Although the Court hardly felt compe- 
tent to decide which party was the more responsible, 
it appeared certain that the Pizarros in any event 
had conducted themselves autocratically and tyran- 
nically. Fernando was sent to prison and remained 

[us] 



AMAZON EXPEDITION 

there over twenty years. He was released in 1560, 
an aged man, broken in health and spirit, more 
an object for pity than anger. And yet he bore 
his long imprisonment with a courage which 
would have been worthy of admiration had it been 
inspired by a worthy cause. He saw his brothers 
and relatives, all upon whom he could depend, 
gradually removed, his property confiscated in 
part, his fame tarnished, his career untimely closed, 
himself ostracized in his fatherland, and yet he 
bore it all with the steadfastness of a bold spirit. 
Although he was very old when he was released, he 
lived to the great age of a hundred years. He had 
been well educated for those times, was quick of 
apprehension, resolute in action, courageous and yet 
cautious, and his opinions were wise and circum- 
spect, but his ambition and covetousness were 
insatiable. He was arrogant and had a vindictive 
disposition which led to his own ruin, for the hour 
of his revenge against Almagro was the hour of 
his own downfall. 

Francisco Pizarro himself had no fears, and the 
Spanish Court found it difficult to bring him to 
account. At the same time the Emperor desired 
to obtain exact information about affairs in Peru 
as well as to extablish a lawful and orderly adminis- 
tration there. It was decided, therefore, to send a 
commission to make a careful investigation and 
then organize a stable government in this great 
empire in the name of the Emperor. Such an 

[119] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

important mission needed a man of great wisdom 
and uprightness, and the man fortunately was found 
in the person of Baca de Castro, who united uncom- 
mon ability with a high degree of administrative 
talent. Pizarro in the meantime, after his enemies 
were out of the way, ruled like a despot and dis- 
tributed lands and honors arbitrarily. In this he 
showed neither wisdom nor fairness. The most 
pleasant, fruitful, and populous districts were appro- 
priated by himself, his brothers, and favorites. The 
rest had to be satisfied w r ith the poorer ones. The 
most deserving and bravest men on Almagro's 
side were entirely overlooked and gradually were 
reduced to want. History has preserved an anecdote 
which deserves relating. Twelve noblemen, who 
had served under Almagro and filled important 
positions, lived together in the same house and were 
in such great need that they had but one coat 
among them, which each one wore when he went 
out. The other eleven at such times had to remain 
at home for lack of clothing. Pizarro was so blind 
or foolhardy that he either did not observe or did 
not care for the danger to which he was exposed 
in allowing men who had performed distinguished 
service to live in such poverty. He continued his 
bestowal of favors upon his favorites and disre- 
garded the murmuring occasioned thereby. Among 
the discontented was Benalcazar, the conqueror of 
Quito, who had been dispossessed of his province 
in favor of Pizarro's brother Gonzalo. To this 
[120] 



AMAZON EXPEDITION 

same Gonzalo was given command of an expedition 
which promised both fame and profit. 

According to the universal testimony of the Peru- 
vians, on the other side of the Andes to the eastward 
there was a region very rich in cinnamon and other 
spices. It seemed w r orth while to discover it. Gon- 
zalo was given the right to march to the Spice- 
land and, later, possession of it. Taking command 
of an army of three hundred and forty European 
soldiers, mostly cavalry, and of four thousand 
Peruvians, the expedition started. Gonzalo took 
a southeasterly direction from Quito, following the 
course of the Napo River, which empties into the 
great Maranon or Amazon, one of the largest and 
most important rivers in the world, flowing across 
almost the whole of South America, east and w r est, 
its mighty flood uniting with the Atlantic Ocean. 

The first obstacle which confronted Gonzalo was 
the high snowy Cordilleras of the Andes, but even 
before he reached them all nature seemed in con- 
spiracy against his expedition. During dreadful 
thunder-storms and tempests a terrible earthquake 
occurred. The earth was rent in various places, 
and houses and trees were swallowed up. A river 
flowing by the Spanish camps left its bed and over- 
flowed the plains so swiftly that the Spaniards barely 
had time to flee to the neighboring mountains. Then 
still another danger menaced them, not less frightful, 
for it appeared to them that they had been suddenly 
transplanted to the arctic regions. Many of the 

[121] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Peruvians accompanying them as well as Spaniards 
succumbed to the cold. The rest owed their safety 
only to their stronger constitutions and constant 
activity. They finally crossed the Andes, but even 
then their troubles were not ended. The widely 
stretching level country in some places was abso- 
lutely desolate and in others was peopled by savages, 
besides being destitute of subsistence. Every step 
they took they had either to wade morasses or cut 
their way through thick bushes and wellnigh impas- 
sable forests. Then came a continuous rain, lasting 
over two months, during which time the adventurers 
never had dry clothes. At Napo, Gonzalo built 
a barge to be used for transportation whenever it 
became necessary, as well as for carrying supplies 
and baggage. The work cost the Spaniards not a 
little trouble as they were almost destitute of ship 
timber as well as iron. They were obliged to use 
the shoes of the horses as material for nails and 
bolts, and in the place of pitch they were forced to 
use a kind of resin from the trees. At last, how- 
ever, the barge was finished, and Gonzalo placed an 
officer next in command to him, named Orellana, 
in charge of it. He ordered him to sail down the 
stream with fifty soldiers in search of provisions and 
named a certain spot where . he was to await him 
and the army. Hardly, however, was Orellana out 
of sight of his leader when he conceived the ambi- 
tious project of cutting loose from all authority and 
making a most audacious venture. He decided not 
[122] 



AMAZON EXPEDITION 

to wait at the appointed place but to follow the 
course of the river in his fragile boat until he reached 
the ocean. It was a gigantic undertaking and one 
which would have staggered him had he known that 
the ocean was nearly two thousand miles away. 

Orellana first disclosed his purpose when he 
reached the designated spot where he was to await 
the army, at the mouth of the Napo River, where it 
empties into the Amazon. All his companions but 
one were ready to accompany him. That one had 
the courage to oppose Orellana's treacherous purpose 
and fell a victim to his own loyalty, for Orellana 
left him to perish in the wilderness and continued 
on his way. The dangers and obstacles which he 
met on this long journey are almost indescribable. 
He soon reached a desolate country where he had 
to fight with savages to get subsistence. He was 
also attacked by countless canoes on the river 
while he and his fifty men had scarcely room to 
move in the narrow limits. After seven long months 
of struggle with hunger and dangers of every kind 
he reached the mouth of the river only to encounter 
the greatest danger of all, for he now had to put 
out to sea in his wretched craft to reach an island 
where there was a Spanish settlement. After a 
journey of many miles he at last safely reached the 
Island of Trinidad, off the coast of Tierra Firme, or 
the Spanish Main. 

From thence he went to Spain where the accounts 
of his unprecedented adventures created universal 

[123] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

amazement. Not content with relating what he 
had actually seen, he ornamented his story with 
romances which were believed for a long time but 
later turned out to be pure inventions. For instance, 
he asserted that he had' visited some regions where 
gold and precious stones were as common as ordinary 
stones in Spain, and others whose inhabitants were 
mighty female warriors. Hence it came that the 
great country through which the Maranon flows 
was called Amazon Land, and the river itself the 
Amazon. One part of this region was considered 
as the auriferous Utopia and was called El Dorado. 



[124] 



Chapter XVI 



Conspiracy of Alrnagro's Followers against Pizarro — 
Assassination of Pizarro — His Character 

GONZALO PIZARRO expected to find Orellana 
and his fifty men at the junction of the Napo 
and Maranon and likewise a supply of provis- 
ions, but to his great surprise found neither barge, 
provisions, nor soldiers. Still he hoped that per- 
haps some accident had forced Orellana to advance 
farther on and decided to march along the bank of 
the river until he found him. How great was his 
amazement when he finally realized his treachery! 
They were in a desperate condition. Weakened by 
hunger and hardships they found themselves in a 
desolate waste which produced nothing that could 
strengthen them. Their numbers had been reduced 
by death and Orellana's withdrawal, and their bag- 
gage was on his barge. In these desperate cir- 
cumstances they unanimously demanded immediate 
return, and Pizarro was forced to yield. 

They were now over two hundred miles distant 
from Quito and it was more than likely that most of 
them would be unable to bear the hardships of that 
long march again. Nevertheless it had to be made. 
With the hope of finding a less difficult route they ven- 

[125] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

tured into an unknown region with no other guide 
than the sun. The new route proved worse than the 
first one, and the country through which they passed 
was destitute of sustenance. They were forced to 
kill and eat their horses and dogs. They chewed 
leaves, eagerly ate noxious insects, and at last gnawed 
the leather of their saddles and sword-belts. Their 
garments were torn to pieces by briers and storms. 
Two hundred Spaniards and four thousand Peru- 
vians fell victims of these calamities. The rest, 
who were so emaciated that they looked like skele- 
tons, continued the march to Quito, fifty miles away. 
But their strength was so exhausted that they would, 
all have perished had not provisions been sent to 
them from Quito. At sight of food they were so 
delighted that they threw themselves upon the earth 
and kissed the ground. Their eagerness for food 
would have been fatal had it not been dealt out to 
them in small portions for several days. Some 
horses and clothes also had been sent, but, as they 
were not sufficient for all, Gonzalo and his officers 
generously made no claim and, naked as they were, 
they marched on foot to Quito. When they at last 
arrived, their most intimate friends had difficulty in 
recognizing them, so greatly had they changed. 
Every one hastened to seek rest, but Gonzalo had 
no chance to think of rest, for news reached him 
immediately upon his arrival which alarmed him 
more than all his previous troubles. 

At the time of his execution Almagro appointed 

[126] 



CONSPIRACY OF FOLLOWERS 

his son as his successor in authority. At that time, 
youth and inexperience so unfitted him to be a 
leader in such a difficult situation that he was a 
mere plaything in others' hands. His most dis- 
tinguished counsellor, however, was Juan de Her- 
rada, a knight of noble family who had entered 
the service as a common soldier and gradually had 
risen to the highest position in the army. Under 
the guidance of this meritorious nobleman the young 
Almagro had greatly improved in body and mind. 
He had grown handsome and uncommonly active, 
and was skilled in physical exercises and other ac- 
quirements. His brave father's spirit inspired him, 
and it was soon apparent that he was destined to 
play an important part in Peruvian affairs. This 
convinced Pizarro that he must suppress this young 
rising spirit before his power grew dangerous. He 
therefore imprisoned him and the knight Herrada 
for a long time and only released them upon 
the condition that Almagro should live at Lima 
under surveillance. In this way he hoped to pre- 
vent a possible uprising. But he was mistaken. 
The residence of the young Almagro soon became the 
resort of the old friends and adherents of his father, 
who at that time were in a wretched plight and 
burned with a desire to revenge themselves upon 
the tyrant who had stripped them of their honors 
and possessions. They therefore rallied around 
Almagro and devised means of revenge and of better- 
ing their conditions. As the result of their delibera- 

[127] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

tions they determined to throw off the yoke of the 
oppressor and destroy the tyrant. The absence of 
the governor's two brothers seemed to offer the op- 
portunity they desired. 

In the meantime the friends of the governor 
began to regard the frequent meetings of these 
people with suspicion. They confided their misgiv- 
ings to him and warned him to be on his guard, 
but he was so accustomed to pay no heed even to 
great and visible dangers that he did not take their 
warnings to heart. "Do not be concerned about my 
life," was his reply. "The power which I have of 
cutting off others' heads makes my own safer." One 
day, when he was walking in the garden, Herrada, 
who had been commissioned by the conspirators to 
observe his frame of mind, presented himself. 
Pizarro was engaged in plucking lemons and as 
his enemy approached him he handed him some, 
saying they were the first they had had in this 
new city. Herrada assumed a troubled expression 
and intimated he had heard that Pizarro contem- 
plated making way with Almagro and his unfor- 
tunate friends. The governor assured him such a 
thought had never entered his head although he 
had been warned against these people because they 
had designs against his own life. Herrada, on his 
part, assured him these reports were malicious in- 
ventions, and to make his assurances trustworthy 
he begged the governor to allow him and Almagro 
to leave Lima. Pizarro refused the request and 

[128] 



CONSPIRACY OF FOLLOWERS 

dismissed the knight with the promise that he would 
furnish him with everything he needed. Herrada 
kissed his hand with a show of reverence which 
confirmed the governor in the belief that he had 
nothing to fear from these people. Herrada had 
accomplished his purpose. The conspirators now 
knew that the governor had no suspicions. This 
was sufficient, and the next Sunday was fixed upon 
for their revengeful purpose. 

Saturday evening came and Pizarro still had no 
suspicions. At this time an event occurred which 
must have opened his eyes and prepared him for the 
attack of his enemies if he had not been foolhardy 
to the verge of madness. One of the conspirators, 
as the hour approached, was conscience-smitten, 
and rushed to the governor to inform him of the 
plot. Pizarro listened to his statement with some 
interest, but a moment afterward lapsed into his 
usual contempt of danger and foolish security. 
He informed the conspirator he did not believe his 
story and dismissed him. The stillness of the night 
brought reflection. He began to realize that the 
danger against which he had been warned might be 
real and that it would be prudent to be cautious. 
His friends had long advised him to have a body- 
guard, but, as he had received news that an ac- 
credited representative of the Emperor, clothed with 
full power, was coming from Spain, he feared that a 
body-guard might be taken as a sign that he was 
afraid of this representative. He decided, however, 

[129] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

to be prudent and remain at home on the following 
day. Instead of going to church as usual, he had 
mass said in his apartment. Toward noon several 
of his officers who were accustomed to dine with 
him arrived. This was -the time which the con- 
spirators had chosen for his murder, as he usually 
rested and slept during the hot mid-day hours. 

Herrada suddenly rushed at the head of eighteen 
men, with drawn sword, and armed from head to 
foot, to Almagro's house, shouting as they entered 
the street, "Long live the King! Death to the 
tyrant." With these words, as a signal to all the 
conspirators scattered about the city, they ran to 
the governor's palace. Pizarro was at the table 
conversing with some of his friends, most of his 
guests having betaken themselves to rest. The con- 
spirators luckily crossed the courtyard and en- 
tered the palace without being observed. Herrada 
took the precaution to leave one of his companions 
at the gate to shout to those passing by, "The tyrant 
is dead." The friends of the governor who might 
be coming to his rescue would thus be frightened 
back, thinking they had come too late. 

The conspirators advanced to the stairs leading 
to Pizarro's apartment without being observed. 
A page noticed them at last and rushed into the room 
giving the alarm. Pizarro, who never quailed at any 
danger, did not display the least fear. He sprang 
up and with resolute voice commanded one of his 
officers to bolt the door until he had time to arm 

[130] 



CONSPIRACY OF FOLLOWERS 

himself, but the officer unfortunately lost his pres- 
ence of mind. Instead of doing as he was bidden he 
left the room and went to the stairs and asked the 
advancing conspirators the meaning of the outbreak 
and what they were intending to do. His only 
reply was a blow which felled him to the floor, and 
the conspirators rushed into the room. 

Pizarro had retired to an anteroom to put on his 
armor. Alcantara, two friends, and as many pages 
went with him. All the others jumped from the 
windows as they saw the conspirators entering. 
The latter rushed into the room before Pizarro had 
had time to don his armor, but he seized his sword 
and shield, attacked the enemy with the strength 
of a lion, and encouraged his friends, who would 
rather die with him than forsake him, with the 
words: "Take heart, comrades! We are enough to 
punish these traitors for this outrage." The fight 
now began with indescribable fury on both sides. 
But the conspirators not only had the advantage of 
numbers but they were fully armed so that it was 
not easy to get at them, while the weaker party 
was exposed to every blow and thrust. The battle 
was soon decided. 

Alcantara fell dead first at his brother's side. 
Some of the others soon followed him, and the gov- 
ernor who had continually parried the blows made 
at him gradually became so exhausted that he could 
hardly wield his sword. At last he received a fatal 
thrust in the throat and fell, dying, to the floor. 

[131] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

Four of the conspirators were killed, and nearly all 
the others were wounded. As soon as the victim 
of their fury expired they ran into the streets with 
their bloody swords to announce to the excited 
city the death of the tyrant. Over two hundred 
sympathizers joined them and escorted the young 
Almagro, mounted on his horse, through the streets, 
shouting that this one and no other was the law- 
ful and only governor of Peru. Brandishing their 
bloody weapons they shouted, "The tyrant is dead. 
The laws are again restored. Long live our master, 
the Emperor, and Almagro, the governor." Pizarro's 
palace and the residences of his most trusted friends 
were given over to pillage. 

Such was the end of a man whose courage, endur- 
ance, and resolution deserve our highest admiration, 
but whose treachery, falseness, and cruelty must fill 
every honorable soul with abhorrence. He suffered 
a hundredfold what he had made Atahualpa, his 
associate Almagro, and many others suffer. His 
body was taken to the church by his attendants, 
but no one had the courage to stay with it or bury 
it. After some time a grave was dug in a dark 
corner, the funeral rites were hastily and secretly 
performed, and by the dim light of some wax candles 
the body of Pizarro in its blood-stained garments 
was consigned to the dust. Such was the wretched 
end of the conqueror of Peru, the man who only a 
few hours previously had ruled the country with 
absolute power. Smitten in bright daylight, in his 

[132] 



CONSPIRACY OF FOLLOWERS 

own capital, surrounded by those who had been his 
companions in arms, who had shared his victories 
and his spoils, he died like an outcast, without one 
to say, "God forgive him!" 

Physically Pizarro was unusually strong. Xo 
one surpassed him in courage and contempt of 
danger. With his armor on, he considered himself 
invincible, and would often advance against an 
enemy without waiting for his men, who had to 
exert themselves to overtake him. He had had 
almost no education and had not the address 
and culture which is demanded of well-bred men. 
He made up for this lack by keen observation 
of affairs and by wise deliberation, patience, and 
diligence. He could not write his own name, and 
whenever his signature was required, he would make 
only two strokes of the pen, between which his 
secretary wrote the name, Francisco Pizarro. He 
had naturally a great and active spirit, but it had 
not been well trained and disciplined. He brooded 
incessantly over far-reaching plans, and the greater 
the difficulties attending them, the more persistently 
he devoted himself to them. His natural tendency 
was toward magnanimity and generosity, but covet- 
ousness and ambition dominated these qualities. 
Hearing one day that an officer who was not in easy 
circumstances had lost a horse, he placed a gold 
ingot in his cloak and went to a house where he 
expected to meet the officer playing ball. Upon 
entering he did not find him and some of his friends 

[133] 



FRANCISCO PIZARRO 

invited him to join in the game. He accepted the 
invitation, and, without mentioning the reason for 
his visit, laid aside the cloak with the heavy weight 
of gold in it. The game lasted three hours. At last 
the officer came. Pizarro took him aside, presented 
him with the ingot, and told him that it was so heavy 
that he would gladly have given three times as much 
to get rid of it if he had come earlier. It has been 
specially remarked about him that he tried to conceal 
his good deeds and that this was the only proof that 
at the bottom of his heart he was really noble. 
Upon one of his expeditions, while crossing a river, 
the swift current swept away one of his Indian 
attendants who had shown many proofs of his loyalty 
and devotion. Observing his danger he swam to 
him, seized him by the hair, and brought him safely 
to the bank. The danger he encountered was 
greater than any soldier in his army would have 
dared to face. His friends protested that he ought 
not to have risked his life in this way, but he only 
replied that they did not know the value of a true 
servant. 

His clothing was always the same and never 
showy. It consisted of a black cloak reaching to his 
ankles, white shoes, and a gray hat, and he was 
thus clad both as a private man and as governor. 
To please his friends, on Sunday he wore a state 
robe edged with fur given him by his friend Cortes. 
As soon as he came from church, however, he would 
take it off and remain in a shirt or waistcoat, with a 

[134] 



CONSPIRACY OF FOLLOWERS 

handkerchief about his neck to wipe away perspira- 
tion, for in quiet times he spent a large part of the 
day playing ninepins and ball, of both of which sports 
he was passionately fond. 

His loyalty to the Emperor, his master, was exem- 
plary. When laying aside the fifth part of the 
plunder which belonged to the Emperor, he was so 
punctiliously conscientious that he sprang from his 
seat to pick up a little piece of gold which had 
dropped and placed it on the imperial pile. They 
smiled at his solicitude over such a small matter, 
but he was not irritated by it. "I would have 
picked up that little piece with my mouth," he 
once said, "if I had no longer the use of my hands." 

These are the principal traits in the character of 
this extraordinary man which have been preserved 
for us. 



[i3Sl 



2lppentit£ 



The following is a chronological statement of the 
principal events in the life of Pizarro: 

1471 Birth. 

1 5 10 Arrives at Darien. 

1 5 13 With Balboa at the discovery of the Pacific Ocean. 

1 5 19 Settles in Panama. 

1522 Joins with Almagro and Luque in southern expe- 
dition. 

1524 Obliged to return to Panama. 

1526 Second expedition — reaches equator. 

1528 Discovers some of the Inca towns. 

1529 Returns to Panama. 

1529 Receives concession to conquer Peru. 

1 53 1 Sails for the south. 

1532 Reaches Caxamarca — defeats the Inca., 

1533 Treacherously murders the Inca. 
1533 Occupies Cuzco. 

1 535 Founds city of Lima. 

1536 War between Pizarro and Almagro — the latter 

defeated and beheaded. 
1 541 Pizarro murdered by Almagro's adherents. 



[136] 



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